Humanitarian funds from the European Union (EU) enable the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide multisectoral assistance to over 700,000 Ukrainians this winter, which will be “the most challenging season yet for the country.”
“Displaced and war-affected people will face new and growing challenges as the war drags on and winter grips Ukraine,” said Anh Nguyen, IOM’s Head of Mission in the country.
increase support
IOM’s winterization support includes the renovation of collective shelters housing displaced people; improvement of water supply, sewage and heating systems; repair of damaged houses; and distribution of high thermal blankets, bedding sets, mattresses and hygiene items.
In addition, solid fuel and cash assistance will also be provided to help people sustain themselves through flexible means during the bitterly cold season.
IOM will also use EU funds to stockpile critical items to ensure war-affected people in Ukraine continue to be reached and support its partners to respond to urgent needs on the ground.
“Our top priority is to support warm, safe and dignified conditions to help people get through the next few months,” explained Mr Nguyen.
“Urgent Needs”
Going forward, mobile teams will conduct repairs at 375 community sites and social facilities by upgrading insulation, repairing leaky roofs, replacing broken windows and installing additional showers.
IOM will renovate 5,800 private homes and distribute emergency shelters so that people can make the necessary improvements themselves.
The UN agency will also support communities in areas recently retaken from the Ukrainian government with building materials and generators.
“While attacks continue to leave millions without reliable access to electricity, heating and water, our humanitarian partners like IOM continue to work to address the most pressing needs,” said Claudia Amaral, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine.
18 million needy
Around 18 million Ukrainians, or 40 percent of the country’s population, are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates.
And the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure have helped compound the war’s devastating impact on those hardest hit.
The latest from IOM opinion poll shows that despite multiple interventions in the country’s power supply and heating infrastructure, Ukrainians plan to spend the winter in their current locations.
Only 7 percent of respondents surveyed nationwide said they are actively considering leaving the company.
Meanwhile, private resources to survive are running out as 43 percent of all families in Ukraine have completely used up their savings.
