£15m British boost for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

24 Feb 2015 11:00 AM

Britain will release £15 million in emergency assistance to provide food, blankets, emergency shelter and basic medical supplies to vulnerable and displaced Ukrainians, Prime Minister David Cameron announced yesterday.

There are now more than one million people in Ukraine who have been forced from their homes and five million living in conflict-affected areas. The capacity of host communities to provide shelter is exhausted and humanitarian access to those in need remains challenging.

The UK’s announcement comes as the UN and the Government of Ukraine prepare to launch an emergency appeal for the country.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

The UK, along with our international partners, stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and is determined to help its millions of displaced, hungry and suffering citizens, wherever they live.

Right now, the people of Ukraine need essential basics such as blankets, food and emergency medical supplies. This £15 million package of emergency assistance means trusted partners can deliver this support to the people who need it most, quickly and safely.

This £15 million package announced yesterday includes:

• £2 million for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve emergency primary health care services in areas affected by the conflict, as well as for internally displaced people and host communities across Ukraine. The WHO will also facilitate access to community-based health services, including mother and child care and mental health and psychosocial support;
• £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for emergency humanitarian assistance in eastern Ukraine, including food, blankets and shelter equipment; and
• £1 million for the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) for food and emergency shelter distributions and child protection activities. The DRC has an established track record in Ukraine and, together with the ICRC, is one of the few agencies working in separatist controlled areas.

The remaining funding will be distributed through partners selected as part of the Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan set to be launched by the UN and the Government of Ukraine tomorrow.

Notes to editors

1. The UK’s boost to the international community’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine comes ahead of the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan by the UN and the Ukrainian Government.
2. Against the background of continuing conflict in the east, the UN have brought forward their planned Spring appeal and will now launch a new Strategic Response Plan for Ukraine on 24 February.
3. The UK has committed £1.4 million bilaterally this financial year for humanitarian support in Ukraine, in addition to our £4.35 million share of EU and other multilateral efforts.

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