Ahmed Kvohgyj and Amida Gunesh eating their homemade lunch. Photo: Pablo Tosco/Oxfam
The war in Ukraine
2 years later. Millions have fled their homes. Oxfam is on the ground.
Millions have fled Ukraine
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the consequences have been devastating. The war has so far caused thousands of civilian casualties and destroyed vital infrastructure, such as people's homes, schools, hospitals and water supplies. Millions of people have fled Ukraine. Now the the war has been going on for two years. Oxfam has been on the ground since February 2022. Together with our partners we have Oxfam reached over 2 million people with life-saving support.
The price of war is high, with at least 10 000 civilians estimated to have been killed since 2022, but the real figure is likely to be higher. Millions of people are still in need of support, as in other conflicts, marginalized groups and those close to conflict zones are particularly vulnerable. In order to best support people and communities, our partners, with their local knowledge and expertise, have been extremely important in ensuring that the response has been effective and made a real difference.
Oxfam is on the ground providing life-saving assistance. So far, we have reached over 2 million people. With your support, we can reach even more.
Read about Oxfam's work in Ukraine
"The wounds are very deep. It will take years and years to recover and we still don't know how long the war will last."
Cecylia Jakubczak, Communications Manager, Towards Dialogue (Oxfam's partner organization)
Oxfam's efforts
The needs in Ukraine have changed over the years.n. People close to the conflict in the eastern part of the country have had major humanitarian needs, in the summer 2023 the conflict in these areas intensified and thousands had to leave their homes. In June 2023, there was an explosion in the Kakhovka Dam in Kherson Oblast which led to flooding. Up to one million people lost access to clean water and 140,000 had no electricity. Following the disaster, Oxfam worked with Oxfam worked with partners to provide rapid support to affected people.
6.2 million people have been forced to flee Ukraine, 5.8 million of whom are in Europe. Humanitarian work in the local area has been essential to reach all those affected by the war. Over the years, Oxfam has worked with partners in Poland, Romania and Moldova to support those who have fled the country. We have worked with women's rights organizations, LGBTI+ organizations, and Roma-led organizations. Refugees from Ukraine within Europe are not in the same place all the time, many have chosen to return to Ukraine or to other countries within Europe to be closer to family and friends. With an EU directive implemented in March 2022, many refugees have gained access to housing, employment, healthcare and education.
The importance of local expertise
Oxfam works as always on the principle of empowering and supporting local humanitarian leaders, with a feminist approach to ensure that support reaches marginalized groups. The work in Ukraine is further evidence that humanitarian work is most effective when it is driven by local needs and in cooperation with local organizations. It is thanks to the close cooperation with local organizations that the aid could be delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.
In partnership with 40 organizations, Oxfam has reached over 2 million people in the last 2 years. Below you can read about how the support has made a difference.
1.3 million people have gained access to basic water and sanitation services.
62 000 people have received psychosocial support.
35,000 people have received cash benefits.
10,000 people have received support for the winter months.
44 water tanks with a capacity of 95,000 liters have been built.
Anastasia's story:
One of those whose lives have been changed is Anastasia and her family. She, her husband and their five children tried to stay in their home near Odessa for as long as possible, but eventually chose to leave the country. Since July 2023, they have been living in a refugee accommodation in Moldova, trying to get used to their new life. But their children still get scared every time a plane flies by.
"It feels so strange to no longer hear the sound of bombs and air raid sirens."
At the shelter, Anastasia and her family are receiving shelter and support to integrate into Moldova from Oxfam's partner organization Amici dei Bambini.
Anastasia and her family arrived at the shelter on July 12, 2023. Photo: Pablo Tosco/Oxfam.
Working with already vulnerable groups
In Poland, Oxfam has collaborated with the organization Lambda Warszawa, which has been active in LGBTI+ rights in Poland since 1997. LGBTI+ people are often discriminated against in shelters, for example. Lambda Warsaw has created a safe space where this group can be part of a community, learn Polish and receive specially designed support.
In partnership with Voice of Romni, which has contacts within the Roma community, Oxfam has been able to reach the most vulnerable Roma near the frontline in Ukraine. In August 2023, Voice of Romni launched an initiative to restore the livelihoods of 15 local entrepreneurs. Over 2600 people have received food and hygiene kits. In Poland, Towards Dialogue, Oxfam's partner, has supported the well-being of Roma through its activities and provided them with opportunities to build skills, including increasing their self-confidence.
Olena and her son Aleksandrov have found safety in the Carusel shelter. Photo: Pablo Tosco/Oxfam
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.