11 March 2022 | Brussels, Belgium [Maja Ahac, ADRA Europe]
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Europe express their profound concern for the people affected by the armed conflict in Ukraine. These are circumstances where our mission invites an immediate and focussed response.
ADRA Europe’s constituents, supported by their respective national authorities, charitable agencies, churches, and individual donors, are deeply moved by the 2.5 million people fleeing Ukraine; many of which are women and children forced to leave their homes and families and depend on the mercy and goodwill of others. Without a doubt, we recognised them as our neighbours.
Together with other agencies, we will continue to respond to their needs and support those fleeing the war. At the same time, we call upon the global community to ensure that core humanitarian principles are respected in Ukraine and the surrounding countries.
Call to Ensure Humanitarian Principles in Ukraine
According to the United Nations (UN), more than 2 million people have already fled Ukraine. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has called this exodus “the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two.” In addition, there are an estimated 6.7 million people displaced within the country. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 18 million people are likely to be affected by this emergency.
Before the latest developments, 2.9 million people in eastern Ukraine were dependent on humanitarian aid. The current escalation has led to a mass migration towards the neighbouring countries of Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova. Civilians are mainly bearing the consequences of this war as infrastructure and public services are collapse.
It has proven difficult to ensure the safety of civilians, protected under international humanitarian law (IHL), due to limited access and distribution. It is vital for humanitarian and relief bodies to have unrestricted access, in compliance with IHL, to protect civilians from violence, and to provide them with neutral and non-political assistance without distinction, enabling them to live with dignity. IHL applies in Ukraine and should not be forgotten at this challenging time. Thus, our plea is to ensure a principled response in Ukraine, and a peaceful end to the war to prevent further suffering.
ADRA Teams on the Front Lines
We will continue to respond to the needs of displaced people. With the support of hundreds of Adventist volunteers, ADRA’s teams currently provide humanitarian support in Ukraine, neighbouring countries, and host communities.
Our activities include:
- humanitarian aid transport and distribution (food and non-food items)
- cash support
- distribution of welcome packages on the borders and in host communities
- accommodation for the refugees and internally displaced people
- transporting refugees to their final destination
- basic medical support
- health checks
- small children and baby care
- education in emergencies
- protection programmes (safe places for women and children)
- care for the elderly and disabled
- mental health support (in-person and online)
- power banks
- legal advice
- support for host families
- food trucks
ADRA Europe, ADRA International networks and Seventh-day Adventist communities from around the world will continue to support those on the front line through the financial and material resources they collect. In time, it is our hope and prayer that those we assist will be reunited with their loved ones and able to return to their homeland.
ADRA Europe is inspired by the biblical promises to exiles, including: “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13
