 has announced that it needs $4.2 billion by 2024 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine 15 01 2024.jpeg)
The United Nations (UN) has announced that it needs $4.2 billion by 2024 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine and the millions of refugees who have fled the country since the Russian invasion almost two years ago, AFP reported.
"The recent wave of attacks is a reminder of the devastating cost of this war to the civilian population, at a time when the harsh winter increases the urgent need for life-saving humanitarian assistance," the UN insisted.
According to the UN, this year 14.6 million people in Ukraine will need humanitarian aid, i.e. 40% of the population, including 8.5 million people to be covered as a priority.
The appeal for donations for Ukraine amounts to 3.1 billion dollars. For 2023, it is set at $3.9 billion, but only 64% is funded. So this year the UN decided to revise it, preferring to focus on the most urgent needs.
"Hundreds of thousands of children are living on the front lines, terrified, traumatized, and deprived of the most basic needs. This simple fact should drive us to do everything we can to deliver more humanitarian aid to Ukraine," explained Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General on humanitarian issues.
"Homes, schools, and hospitals, as well as water, gas, and electricity networks are regularly attacked. It is the very fabric of society that is under attack, with devastating consequences," he stressed.
On refugees, Griffiths and UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi presented their aid plan at a joint press conference at the UN office in Geneva.
About 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine and are now refugees, mainly in Europe.
This plan aims to raise $1.1 billion to help 2.3 million of them and their host communities.
"Millions of Ukrainian refugees are still in urgent need of help," Grandi insisted.
According to UN data, only half of Ukrainian refugee children of school age attend school in their host countries, and a quarter of refugees have difficulty accessing health care.
Only 40-60% of them found work, often below their qualifications.
"Host countries continue to protect and integrate them into society, but many vulnerable refugees still need help. They should not feel obliged to return home because they cannot make ends meet in exile," Grandi said. /BGNES
