Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

An estimated 2.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, with women and the elderly bearing the brunt of the ongoing hostilities. Access to essential services is severely hampered, especially on the other side of the "contact line" in the east of the country. The shock of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has added pressure to a weakened health care system, while the provision of social services has struggled. Protection is a serious concern, given the heavy contamination of mines and the indiscriminate attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. With support from GAC and other donors, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) provides protection, emergency relief and other essential services to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and promotes respect for international humanitarian law in Ukraine. Project activities include: (1) providing medical care, access to water and sanitation, food aid and livelihood support; (2) providing the Ukrainian Red Cross with technical expertise to strengthen its capacity to promote international humanitarian law, restore family links and provide relief in armed conflict and situations of violence; and (3) ensuring respect for international humanitarian law in the treatment of civilians not taking part in hostilities and detainees.