The war in Ukraine

A year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. The consequences have been devastating. The war has so far caused thousands of civilian casualties and devastated vital infrastructure such as people's homes, schools, hospitals and water supplies.  

Some 18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and six million have fled to seek safety inside or outside the country, mainly in Poland, Romania and Moldova. 90% of them are women, children and the elderly. No one knows how long the war will last, and winter makes everyday life even more difficult. It is more important than ever that we make sure they are supported and protected.

Oxfam is on the ground with life-saving assistance. With your support, we can reach even more people. 

Our concern for the most vulnerable

As a humanitarian organisation, Oxfam is seriously concerned about the impact of the crisis on the people who are already most vulnerable. Many are traumatised by the war, by separation and by flight. They may face difficulties in registering in other countries or areas, in accessing legal advice and with language. When their usual homes, families, sources of income and communities can no longer protect them, they are at greater risk of trafficking, extortion and gender-based violence.

We are also concerned about the unequal treatment and lack of protection for certain minority groups such as Roma, LGBTQI+ people, people from outside the EU, young women and children travelling alone and survivors of gender-based violence.

Oxfam works with local civil society organisations

Oxfam supports humanitarian efforts both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. We work with local organisations to provide technical support, expertise and funding. To date, we have been able to reach over 800,000 people in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Moldova.

Together with our local partners, we can, for example: 

- Be present at border crossings and provide people fleeing with reliable and up-to-date information via hotlines and social media.

- Make sure people have the essentials to survive, such as food and hygiene kits.

- Set up hand-washing stations and toilets, including those accessible to people with disabilities, and showers.

- Provide psychosocial support and advice to help people cope with what they are going through.

- Provide people fleeing Ukraine with access to legal aid, so that they can receive support and knowledge about their rights.

- Focus on the needs of vulnerable groups and minorities, including Roma, LGBTQIA+, women travelling with young children and people with disabilities.

Julia has moved from Ukraine to Poland. Photo: JB Russell/Panos/Oxfam

Julia is one of those who fled Ukraine. Together with her mother-in-law, son, nephews and nieces, she fled to neighbouring Poland:

"We left in the morning, between 6 and 7 o'clock no bombs fell, so we had some time to leave safely. We only took a few things with us, and a hard drive and some money. We hardly cared what we took with us. You look at your house and think about what to take, and then you realize you don't need anything."  

Oxfam is on the ground in several other emergencies

Alongside our efforts to help people fleeing Ukraine, we are working on the ground in several other urgent crises around the world. In many places, the war in Ukraine is further exacerbating the situation, as access to grain, and therefore food, is drastically reduced and prices for basic foodstuffs and petrol skyrocket.

The simplest, and most cost-effective, way to support people affected by war, conflict and disaster is to become a monthly donor. It allows us to work for long-term change, against injustice and oppression - while responding to emergency situations where the need is greatest right now.