Ukraine Response
Ukrainian refugee children attend a temporary learning centre in Romania. Using tablet computers, they are being supported to continue their education in line with the Ukrainian curriculum. Photo: George Calin/Plan International
The Russian Federation launched a military offensive against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. According to UNHCR, as of early April 2022, some 4.5 million people had fled to neighbouring countries, and a further 7 million are estimated to be displaced inside the Ukraine, making the conflict the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War II.
Above: A Ukrainian mother and child attend a Child Friendly Space at a refugee processing camp on the Moldova-Ukraine border. Photo: World Vision
Some 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas in the Ukraine, unable to leave due to heightened security risks, destruction of bridges and roads, as well as lack of resources or information on where to find safety and accommodation. Many people who are trapped are unable to meet their basic needs including food, water and medicines, and face risk of injury or death from the ongoing conflict.
Male citizens aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine, so 93% of refugees are women, children and the elderly.
Gender based violence (GBV) has been a prevalent problem faced by women and girls, especially for those living in the conflict-affected regions of Ukraine's east. There are also reports of children crossing the Ukrainian border unaccompanied. Besides GBV risks, unaccompanied women and girls in particular are at high risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as human trafficking.
The conflict has created significant trauma and distress, increasing the need for psychosocial support services, as well as maternal, newborn and child health facilities in areas where large numbers of refugees are transiting or seeking temporary shelter.
The AHP Response
Above: Volunteers have set up stalls to support Ukrainian refugees in front of Chelm train station, Poland. Photo: Plan International
Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced on 20 March 2022 that Australia would provide a $65 million humanitarian response to support those impacted by the conflict, including $10 million delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.
The AHP response is being delivered by two consortiums: one led by World Vision Australia in partnership with World Vision Romania and AVE Copiii in Moldova; and the other by Plan International Australia, in partnership with the International Medical Corps UK, ADRA Romania and ActionAid.
The response will take place over 12 months, with a significant focus on the protection of women, children and people with disability, focusing on regions where refugees are crossing borders from the Ukraine into Moldova and Romania.
The World Vision consortium will establish Child-Friendly Spaces and Women, Adolescent, and Young Child Spaces to provide medical, psychosocial and emergency education support to refugees, as well as connections with protection and violence referral services. Children will also be provided with learning kits to support their education.
The Plan consortium is using a decentralised and mobile approach to deliver health, psychosocial support, child protection, gender-based violence and water, sanitation and hygiene services to affected populations in the areas around Odessa and at nearby transit centres across the Romanian border, focusing services on women, children, adolescents, the elderly, and people with disabilities.