19 August 2024 —  On World Humanitarian Day, Ukrainian and international humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine pay tribute to humanitarian workers and volunteers who have lost their lives while providing life-saving emergency assistance to civilians. They remain committed to keep helping those in need. Over 600 humanitarian NGOs, including volunteer-led organisations, are officially participating in the humanitarian response, working closely with national and local government authorities, UN agencies and donors.

This work is urgent and essential for the survival and well-being of Ukrainian communities as the impact of war persists. The 2024 UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan estimates that nearly 15 million people - 40 percent of the Ukrainian population - are in need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly 3 million children, 3.4 million older people, and 3.6 million internally displaced people. Over 7 million people have required emergency food and livelihood assistance. There has been widespread damage to civilian and critical infrastructure that people depend on for survival - an estimated 1.4 million homes and 3,800 educational institutions are damaged or completely destroyed.

"In the face of unprecedented challenges compounded by extensive damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, humanitarian organisations stand ready to provide critical support as winter approaches. With a track record of aiding millions of families since the full-scale invasion and making a tangible impact through home repairs, school renovations, cash aid, psychosocial support, and other essential assistance, we remain steadfast in ensuring no one is left without the essential support they need this winter, including people near the frontline. Our commitment to humanitarian assistance is unwavering, guiding us to navigate the dark, cold months ahead with resilience and compassion." said - Anna Duda, Country Director of People in Need Ukraine.

The war is also having a profound impact on people’s mental health. A HelpAge International research reveals that over half (55%) of older people in Ukraine say the war has left them less able to cope with daily tasks. A HIAS/NGO Girls nationwide survey found that 42% of adult Ukrainians do not know how to access professional help and nearly half of the parents surveyed (45%) struggle to support their children. Anastasiia Sushko, a psychologist working near the frontline with the organisation "We Are Brothers, We Are Ukrainians", said: “There are children who have lived through the occupation, some in basements. When the alarm went off and they had to go down to the bomb shelter, it was like re-traumatizing them. They would start to cry. We have a nice bomb shelter, it's bright, there's lots of light. But for children of primary and pre-school age, it was a trigger, they did not want to go down there. At the beginning of the project, we asked: “What do you dream of being?” And they said: “Nobody. We just want to lie in bed, watch TikToks and play computer games”. And now they have certain goals. For example: ‘I like farming, I want to be like my dad - a farmer’. I see motivation to study.”

Despite the immense needs and ongoing challenges to provide aid, over the past two and a half years of the full-scale invasion, the collective efforts of humanitarian organisations have made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need. Together, humanitarian organisations have supported people from across Ukrainian society to meet their own needs through cash assistance, small grants and vocational training; and provided food, medicine, water and hygiene items to people close to the frontline when markets no longer function. NGOs have been the first responders evacuating people from areas still under attack, and later repaired homes, schools and shelters so they could start to get back to normal life. Humanitarians have supported kids to be able to stay in school, and provided safe places for them to just be kids. Agencies have supported people struggling with their mental health and well-being, delivered protection services, including to gender-based violence survivors. Humanitarian organisations have also worked to provide targeted support to people in need, such as marginalized groups who suffer from existing inequalities, including those facing children, Roma people, LGBTQIA+ people, older people and people with disabilities.

"In light of the challenging times we face, I’m expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of humanitarian organisations. Together, significant strides have been made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents during these difficult times of war. As we approach the impending winter season, the efforts of organisations in rehabilitating homes, reconstruction of schools, support with equipment for water supply systems and aiding families with cash assistance are crucial. I’m pleased with the progress thus far and emphasize the importance of continued collaboration to provide assistance and relief to displaced persons. Together, we strive to create a secure and supportive environment for all in Kharkiv and the rest of the oblast,” - said Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv.

These essential services have offered hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty. Local civil society organisations are trusted partners of the authorities and international organisations in providing services.

Maryna Korkuliak from Kharkiv described how important it was to her and her family to receive emergency assistance:"In the midst of war, we sought refuge in a dimly lit basement in Kharkiv. Little did we imagine that solace and safety awaited us in the western lands of Ukraine. Here, within the walls of the collective center restored by the humanitarian organisation, we've found comfort and security for ourselves and our children. Your creation of this sanctuary fills me with gratitude beyond words. Your unwavering support speaks volumes. In this place, I find a sense of belonging unlike any other. Here, in the embrace of this refuge, I am truly home."

Humanitarian work sometimes comes at high personal cost. Workers face challenges due to the ongoing hostilities and a lack of safety and security: warehouses containing vital humanitarian aid and NGO vehicles have been targeted by rockets. Just in 2024 alone, according to INSO data, we have lost at least three humanitarian workers, and sixteen others were injured.

Joanna Garbalinska, Director of the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine, said: “As we mark World Humanitarian Day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to assist people in need across Ukraine. We continue to call for international humanitarian law to be upheld including as it relates to the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and relief items, and in allowing unfettered access by humanitarian organisations to all populations in need across the country.

We will continue working with international donors and Ukrainian authorities to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, in line with international humanitarian principles, and to identify both immediate and long-term solutions to address the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing war on civilians.”