On World Humanitarian Day (August 19, 2024), Ukrainian and international humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine pay tribute to humanitarian workers and volunteers who have lost their lives while providing life-saving emergency assistance to civilians. They remain committed to keep helping those in need. Over 600 humanitarian NGOs, including volunteer-led organisations, are officially participating in the humanitarian response, working closely with national and local government authorities, UN agencies and donors.
The war is also having a profound impact on people’s mental health. A HelpAge International research reveals that over half (55%) of older people in Ukraine say the war has left them less able to cope with daily tasks. A HIAS/NGO Girls nationwide survey found that 42% of adult Ukrainians do not know how to access professional help and nearly half of the parents surveyed (45%) struggle to support their children. Anastasiia Sushko, a psychologist working near the frontline with the organisation “We Are Brothers, We Are Ukrainians”, said: “There are children who have lived through the occupation, some in basements. When the alarm went off and they had to go down to the bomb shelter, it was like re-traumatizing them. They would start to cry. We have a nice bomb shelter, it’s bright, there’s lots of light. But for children of primary and pre-school age, it was a trigger, they did not want to go down there. At the beginning of the project, we asked: “What do you dream of being?” And they said: “Nobody. We just want to lie in bed, watch TikToks and play computer games”. And now they have certain goals. For example: ‘I like farming, I want to be like my dad – a farmer’. I see motivation to study.”
“In light of the challenging times we face, I’m expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of humanitarian organisations. Together, significant strides have been made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents during these difficult times of war. As we approach the impending winter season, the efforts of organisations in rehabilitating homes, reconstruction of schools, support with equipment for water supply systems and aiding families with cash assistance are crucial. I’m pleased with the progress thus far and emphasize the importance of continued collaboration to provide assistance and relief to displaced persons. Together, we strive to create a secure and supportive environment for all in Kharkiv and the rest of the oblast,” – said Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv.
These essential services have offered hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty. Local civil society organisations are trusted partners of the authorities and international organisations in providing services.
Maryna Korkuliak from Kharkiv described how important it was to her and her family to receive emergency assistance: “In the midst of war, we sought refuge in a dimly lit basement in Kharkiv. Little did we imagine that solace and safety awaited us in the western lands of Ukraine. Here, within the walls of the collective center restored by the humanitarian organisation, we’ve found comfort and security for ourselves and our children. Your creation of this sanctuary fills me with gratitude beyond words. Your unwavering support speaks volumes. In this place, I find a sense of belonging unlike any other. Here, in the embrace of this refuge, I am truly home.”
Humanitarian work sometimes comes at high personal cost. Workers face challenges due to the ongoing hostilities and a lack of safety and security: warehouses containing vital humanitarian aid and NGO vehicles have been targeted by rockets. Just in 2024 alone, according to INSO data, we have lost at least three humanitarian workers, and sixteen others were injured.
Joanna Garbalinska, Director of the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine, said: “As we mark World Humanitarian Day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to assist people in need across Ukraine. We continue to call for international humanitarian law to be upheld including as it relates to the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and relief items, and in allowing unfettered access by humanitarian organisations to all populations in need across the country.
We will continue working with international donors and Ukrainian authorities to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, in line with international humanitarian principles, and to identify both immediate and long-term solutions to address the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing war on civilians.”
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany; it is politically independent and non-denominational. With courage and determination, it is striving for a world without hunger. Since it was founded on December 14, in 1962, 12,128 overseas projects in about 72 countries have been supported with 5.07 billion euros. Welthungerhilfe follows the principle of empowering people to help themselves to sustainably improve their living conditions, through approaches reaching from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organizations.
