GENEVA – The United Nations said Monday it will need $4.2 billion to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine in 2024, and to help millions of refugees who have fled the war-torn country.
While the Gaza war has dominated headlines in recent months, Russia’s war in Ukraine is set to enter its third year in February.
The UN hopes to reach 8.5 million people within Ukraine and 2.3 million refugees and their host communities in eastern Europe.
“A recent wave of attacks underscores the devastating civilian cost of the war, while a bitter winter is ratcheting up the urgent need for life-saving humanitarian aid,” the UN said.The regional refugee response plan is seeking $1.1 billion and targets reaching 2.3 million refugees and host communities.
“Millions of refugees from Ukraine still need urgent support,” Grandi insisted.
Only half of school-age Ukrainian refugee children are enrolled in schools in host countries, said the UN, while a quarter of refugees in need struggle to access health care.
Only 40 to 60 percent are employed, it said — often below their qualifications — while many remain vulnerable with no means to support themselves.
“Host countries continue to extend protection and include them in society, but many vulnerable refugees still need help. They shouldn’t feel pressed to return because they cannot make ends meet in exile,” said Grandi.
“All refugees must be helped and given opportunities to use and build their talents to prepare them for eventual voluntary return when the situation allows.”
FOCUS ON HARDEST-HIT
The 2023 humanitarian response plan for within Ukraine sought $3.9 billion and was 64 percent funded.
The UN said that despite access challenges — particularly to areas occupied by Russian forces — aid workers reached 10.5 million people in Ukraine in 2023.
In its global humanitarian appeals this year, the UN has tried to rein in its objectives, seeking to prioritise those in need with smaller appeals — in the hope that they will be more reliably funded.
This year is asking for $3.1 billion.
“The response strategy in 2024 focuses on the people with the most severe humanitarian needs across the country, particularly those in the front-line,” the UN said.
Russia has intensified its aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks. Bolstering its arsenal, it has geared up for a long war and reoriented its economy.