Ukranian people were going about their daily lives, just like we were, schools to attend, jobs to go to, universities to study at, parties to be at and families to provide for. Now they are being bombed and invaded by Russia. Many are desperately trying to flee their homes. It’s a heartbreaking situation. As casualties rise during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. People world-wide are asking how can we help?
Support local people – donate
Donating is an easy way you can help civilians on the ground and those escaping into neighbouring areas like Hungary, Romania and Poland as refugees. Some 150,000 people have fled Ukraine so far according to the UN Refuge Agency.
UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for Children appeal helps support the agency’s work. It provides conflict affected children with access to water, sanitation, nutrition, education, health and protection services. https://www.unicef.org/appeals/ukraine
There are a number of Ukrainian charities you can support. Sunflower of Peace helps paramedics and doctors, and has been fundraising for supplies like first aid medical tactical backpacks.
United Help Ukraine provides medical supplies and humanitarian aid. It also raises awareness of the conflict.
Voices of Children helps children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine. It provides support to traumatised children through art therapy, psychologists and using storytelling as therapy.
The British Red Cross has also launched an emergency appeal to help Ukraine.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is being rolled out this week, where you can host a Ukranian family and recieve 350 pounds from the Government a month as a thank-you.
Another way of helping is by buying downloadable items like art prints from Ukranian sellers on Etsy.
Support local journalists
Keep yourself informed about the conflict via reputable news outlets instead of social media. Do not share disinformation online. Propaganda is a key Russian Government tactic and one of its favourite weapons of war. Sharing it can endanger lives – harming civilians that we want to help. Instead support local journalists who are covering it as the conflict unfolds. There are petitions and developments like the ones featured on https://kyivindependent.com. It was created by journalists in order to defend editorial independence. Being informed and the public having access to independent information is vital for democracy.
Write to your MP
Encourage them to take further action. The good news is that the British government has recently changed the rules, allowing family members of Ukranian UK residents to get a temporary visa. The Home Office has also introduced temporary visa concessions to support Ukranians already living here.
But calls are mounting from the NGOs for the government to introduce humanitarian visas. These would allow people fleeing the Russian invasion to travel to the UK and claim asylum on arrival. So keep up the pressure on the British government to take further action in order to help Ukranians access the support they need to escape and survive the conflict. You can write to your local MP here:
https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/
UPDATE: Reports of people facing racism at the borders while trying to flee. Please also ask your MP what they are doing to ensure the fair treatment and safe passage of black and ethnic students trying to cross into neighbouring territories, such as the Hungarian and Polish borders.
Take direct peaceful action
Take part in a peace protest. Or organise one in your local area. Stand in solidarity with Ukraine – the link with locations on is below.
Remember we are powerful when we stand together
War hurts us all. Many Russians citizens didn’t choose this either. The Russian Ukraine invasion raises so many questions about whether we should be letting one half of humanity make decisions for the other half, that have so far lead us into conflict and climate crisis. More women in politics isn’t just a dream, it is essential. Some experts have said diversity is key to better decision-making, as women are less likely to make risky decisions. But we need our brothers to help us.
Frances Scott launched the cross-party campaign 50:50 Parliament, to call for gender equality in UK politics. She says men have a key role to play in levelling the playing field “We need male allies, because men are the gatekeepers to many of these positions, so we need men to open the doors and help women win seats. It’s actually about building a better democracy for everyone.” …So male or female support charities that empower women in politics locally, wherever you are in the world. Let’s build a fairer and better generation of future leaders.
In the meantime, let’s take a breath, do what we can and pray for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.