War in Ukraine: humanitarian workers also in danger
From your experience, what impact has WHH’s work had in Ukraine? What are the biggest challenges in delivering humanitarian assistance?
The safety and security situation remains a major concern. In the three years of full-scale war, up to 25 humanitarian workers have been killed and 58 injured in the course of their work. The car of our partners from thecharitable foundation “Angels of Salvation” was hit by an FPV (First Person View) drone when there were civilians inside, including those being evacuated from the areas of active hostilities. Fortunately, the vehicle was armored and no one was injured. It’s also important to note that the vehicle was clearly marked with the logos of the charity and “Evacuation” in big letters.
In the summer of 2024, two Russian bombs destroyed a school in daylight where usually our partners were conducting psychosocial support classes for children. The approach of the front line has made access for humanitarian organizations much more difficult. We can’t provide ongoing services like mental health care, we can only provide emergency assistance when needed. This is why in Kharkiv, a city that is attacked almost every day by ballistic missiles or aerial bombs, such classes have been moved to a school in the subway, recognizing how much the issue of security is a priority.
