The local roots of Caritas, a force addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine [VIDEO]

Caption: From Ukraine to Moldova, many families are traveling miles in search of safety. Here in Chisinau, Moldova, Caritas has opened a reception and transit center where families can take a break.- Marijn Fidder/Caritas Germany

07/04/2022

After more than a month of war in Ukraine, the efforts of humanitarian organizations like Caritas remain vital for the millions of people on the road to exile. From Ukraine to Belgium, by passing through Poland, Romania or even Moldova, they can count on the assistance of local Caritas teams.

On February 24, 2022, Russian troops began invading Ukraine. Since then, close to 4 million people have crossed the border to escape. Many people have also been displaced within Ukraine itself. The “temporary protection directive”, activated by the European Union, should considerably facilitate the reception of exiled persons in member states, including in Belgium.

IN UKRAINE: RECEPTION AND ASSISTANCE

Some 30 local Caritas centers and many parish communities responded quickly. They are helping internally displaced persons, supporting those who wait at the border and providing basic necessities to those in areas directly affected by the fighting.

Arte "In a humanitarian convoy to Ukraine" (2022)

Every day, nearly 35,000 can count on the help of Caritas: Food and hygiene kits, warm meals, medicine, tents and blankets, are all distributed. Psychological assistance has also been put in place.

Since February 24, Caritas Ukraine had received over 750 tons of humanitarian aid: goods have been distributed, including in areas where other NGOs had no access.

Arte followed these humanitarian convoys to Ukraine, discover the report:

IN POLAND, ROMANIA, MOLDOVA: SEARCHING FOR A SAFE HAVEN

Local humanitarian organizations, including Caritas structures in Poland, are welcoming large numbers of exiles coming from Ukraine. For every three people who have fled Ukraine, two have arrived in Poland. This is the largest number of refugees in Europe since the end of the Second World War.

Lilya left the city of Lviv with her sons Kiril (five-years-old) and David (two-years-old). At a Poland distribution point near Dorohusk, Lilya was able to choose a winter coat for her son Kiril. - Philipp Spalek/Caritas Germany

In Poland, a number of border points have been put in place to provide assistance in various forms: food, basic necessities, information, and protection of unaccompanied minors. At the end of March, Caritas Poland reported that 8,400 refugees were housed in the 130 Caritas centers around the country. In addition, its local roots have facilitated the housing of nearly 30,000 exiles into private homes.

In Romania, more than 340,000 refugees have crossed the border, of which close to 90% are women and children. Local Caritas structures currently manage 12 transit and information centers that provide short-term accommodation, food and basic services.

Caritas Moldova also provides shelter to refugees as well as food, psychological care and access to education for many children coming from Ukraine. In collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), cash assistance is also organized.

In other countries neighboring Ukraine, local Caritas organizations are also mobilizing in the face of displaced Ukrainians. Local Caritas roots and its global network are a solid base for rapidly mobilizing resources and expanding humanitarian efforts. Of course, these organizations collaborate with other local organizations and international agencies. The war in Ukraine illustrates once again the importance of having locally based organizations that can organize emergency humanitarian aid.

HELP THE VICTIMS OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE

PUTTING YOUR LIFE IN DANGER

The needs are enormous and humanitarian workers are trying to help wherever possible. But the staff and volunteers of the local structures, especially in Ukraine, are also sometimes risking their own life.

I had the chance to travel from Kiev to Lviv. My children and I are now currently in a place of relative safety. Half an hour ago, the aerial alarm went off here again. The cities of Ukraine are destroyed by the bombs. Thousands of people have had to leave their homes. Caritas Ukraine is doing everything possible and sometimes even the impossible to help and support the victims of the war but the situation is extremely difficult and unpredictable. We appreciate that so many people around the world support us. Thank you so much!

Odarka Borkun, responsible of communications at Caritas Ukraine.

Also read Testimonies: refugee women from Ukraine in Poland

IN BELGIUM: THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY INFORMATION

To deal with the emergency in Ukraine and neighboring countries, Caritas International Belgium has allocated an amount of 480,000 euros. It will further increase its international assistance in the coming weeks and months.

In addition, Caritas International launched an Information Point for Ukraine: to answer the questions of Ukrainian refugees or the Belgians would want to welcome or support them. In a little over a week, 177 people have contacted us. The majority of the questions pertain to registration and residency documents. 44% of calls were made in Ukrainian or Russian, compared to 39% in French and 17% in Dutch.

The challenge is to be able to quickly and easily provide quality, cross-referenced and updated information so as to be able to refer people who are disoriented or in a difficult situation to the appropriate authorities or resources.

Pieter Van Roeyen, lawyer and coordinator of the Ukraine Info Point

Also read 0800 2 41 41: an information point to answer questions from Ukrainians and Belgians who host them [in French]

Employees at Caritas International Belgium also continue to provide assistance at the Heysel registration center in Brussels where the focus has been on those who were denied registration. These are mainly people who do not have a Ukrainian citizenship or who left the country before November 24, 2021.

HOW TO HELP

You have already given your heart to the most vulnerable people in Ukraine. Thank you infinitely! Nevertheless, the needs remain great and your help is vital to the people of Ukraine. Help them today with a donation on our online payment platform or through the bank account number BE88 0000 0000 4141 with the message “4147 Ukraine”. It is only with your support that we continue to make a difference.