Displaying items by tag: humanitarian response

The war in Ukraine has further escalated in 2023, with hostilities ravaging communities in the east and south and taking a heavy toll on civilians living close to the front line. Mine contamination is also creating tremendous challenges for civilians trying to get back to their farms, and for humanitarians striving to deliver assistance. Despite tremendous challenges, humanitarian organisations in Ukraine continue to reach more people every month. By the end of April, 5.4 million had received aid. This was possible thanks to the efforts of hundreds of aid organisations, local groups and volunteers who play a vital role in getting assistance for those who need it the most. Insecurity and access challenges continue, however, to hamper assistance in areas under Russian military control. Funding also remains low, adding to the challenges. Although strikes on energy infrastructure that had driven urgent humanitarian needs during the winter months have decreased, homes, schools, water systems and hospitals continue to be damaged.

Sudanese passports are locked inside European embassies. Spain's foreign ministry urged people to obtain travel documents from the Sudanese authorities. Mohamed was waiting for his visa for a Spanish holiday when war erupted. He phoned the Spanish embassy to retrieve his passport. The receptionist asked, ‘Are you Sudanese or Spanish?' He said he was Sudanese, she immediately hung up. Mr Badawi works for a French company. His passport was at the French embassy and they refused to return it. There are many more trapped. 15.8 million people already needed humanitarian assistance before the conflict. Now the situation is dire. Water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are scarce. The UN and partners are working to reboot the humanitarian response. Also the toll on children and young people’s mental health is profound. Additionally, the cost of transportation out of the worst-hit areas has risen exponentially, leaving the most vulnerable unable to move to safer areas.

For over fifty years Tearfund has responded to disasters, learning lessons which are helping them respond to coronavirus. From their work tackling Ebola in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, they know that faith leaders play a vital role in conveying public health messages to communities. They are responding to coronavirus through their global network of local church partners helping them to promote the right messages (particularly around good hygiene and sanitation) and to correct lies and misinformation about the disease. They are giving advice on how to care for and look out for their communities; to have an answer for tough theological questions about why the coronavirus has happened; and to encourage communities to pray for an end to the outbreak. Tearfund is also in close contact with other humanitarian organisations so that everyone is drawing on the experience of others.