PIN condemns attack on Ukraine, vows support for affected population and refugees
Published: Feb 24, 2022 Reading time: 2 minutesPeople in Need (PIN) strongly condemn the aggression against Ukraine, which represents the biggest security threat in Europe since the Second World War. Although the ground situation is rapidly evolving, PIN is ready to continue support the affected population in Ukraine, as well as potential refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, including the Czech Republic. To support our work and ensure that people affected by the conflict get the help they need, PIN has created Ukraine Emergency Appeal; more than 64 million Czech crowns (2,56 million EUR) has already been donated by individuals and companies in the Czech Republic.
"This is an act of aggression, and the response should be tough sanctions by Western countries against Russia,” said Šimon Pánek, People in Need’s Executive Director. “We cannot stop the attack, but we can help people who are fleeing the fighting. That is why we are asking you to donate to the Ukraine Emergency Appeal. All funds will go directly to help the most vulnerable people in Ukraine or to help refugees in neighbouring countries."
Donate to the Ukraine Emergency Appeal:
The war will affect the lives of tens of millions of people
The attack on sovereign country will undoubtedly impact the lives of tens of millions of people living in affected areas. Their lives may be threatened, and their security, economic situation, and access to basic services imperilled.
"Already the first civilian casualties are being reported, with thousands of people leaving major cities,” says Petr Drbohlav, PIN’s regional director for the Eastern Partnership and the Balkans. “At the same time, fighting has flared up on the line of contact that separates territories under the control of the Ukrainian government from non-government controlled areas.”
PIN’s activities in Ukraine have been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of our staff. As soon as the situation allows, PIN will restart to a maximum extent our humanitarian work. "In the first phase, we will provide mainly the most basic needs according to the currently developing situation; usually this is cash assistance, food aid, hygiene items and support of facilities for IDPs," says Drbohlav.
PIN will also focus on helping neighbouring countries likely to be affected by a large refugee wave, particularly Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Moldova including – if necessary - the Czech Republic.