Call for Humanitarian Aid to Support the People of Ukraine
Statement from the International Association for Community Development
This statement is also available in Ukrainian and Russian:
The International Association for Community Development[1] stands
in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and joins the international call for
Russia to cease military action and withdraw its troops peacefully from the
country.
We are deeply concerned about the evolving human rights and humanitarian crisis
in Ukraine and recognise also that the greatest impact of this will be felt
most deeply by the communities experiencing poverty and discrimination, and in
particular, those most marginalized and potentially vulnerable members of the
population.
IACD welcomes the statement from the UN’s Secretary-General, António Guterres on 24th February, confirming that the UN will continue to work with its humanitarian partners to support people in Ukraine and is committing $20 million to meet immediate needs but this must be further reinforced and multiplied as a matter of urgency. We also acknowledge the actions of neighbouring countries and regionally based agencies and NGOs in swiftly responding to this crisis with humanitarian support.
We call on the UN and the international community to ensure that in addition to essential and urgent humanitarian aid protection of human rights is a key and priority concern.
We urge all states, to ensure that international humanitarian aid obligations are fully honoured, and those providing it can safely and quickly reach those in the greatest need. We call on all states and in particular, states neighbouring Ukraine to continue and reinforce urgent action, to ensure all seeking refuge including children and those most vulnerable in conflict situations whether with or without papers are welcomed and protected.
We acknowledge the concerns of colleagues and call on IACD members and
associates, globally and in particular in neighbouring states, to redouble
efforts to support immediate humanitarian and human rights work with and for
the people of Ukraine.
[1] IACD is the global association for Community Development with a worldwide membership across all continents.
