Fourteen million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the region, latest figures released by the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, have revealed.
The grim figure – comprising internally displaced Ukrainians and those who fled the country – is equivalent to the combined populations of NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
While an estimated 5.5 million people have since returned to their homes, the situation remains dire for many, according to the most recent UNHCR update.
The Ukrainian landscape will be further complicated by the arrival of autumn, with colder weather set to restrict movement and place additional pressure on Europe’s already stressed energy systems.
More than 800,000 Ukrainians – including 300,000 children – are currently sleeping in
destroyed or war-ravaged buildings, in tents, on the streets or on the floors of friends’
homes.
Australians have been strong supporters of Ukraine since the invasion began in February, giving generously to humanitarian causes in the weeks immediately afterwards.
However, as the war fades from news pages, support has dipped, says Stefan Romaniw, who is President of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations.
Mr Romaniw says it’s important that the world recognised the war’s ongoing humanitarian impact.
He has appealed for wealthy and democratic nations such as Australia to provide additional help to the millions of men, women and children facing a harsh winter ahead.
“Australians have always dug deep to help others in need and this was on display six months ago,” he said.
“But the war has disappeared from our newspapers and screens, meaning that a lot of support has dried up.”
Mr Romaniw said while media interest has faded, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to mount.
“Russia continues to target civilians and infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and power
plants,” he said.
“Millions of women and children face a miserable winter, which can only be
alleviated with ongoing support from the outside world.”
While Australians may feel hopelessly removed from the conflict, there was plenty they
could do to help, he said.
“Support for Ukrainians can be financial, which will aid in the establishment of shelters for
the homeless and urgently needed medical supplies, but there are other means to make a
meaningful difference.”
“They can boycott Russian products or lobby politicians to ensure that those fleeing Ukraine
can integrate into Australian society; the main thing is to get people talking about Ukraine
again,” Mr Romaniw said.
Full mobilisation of Ukrainian men between the ages 18 and 60 means that most of those
arriving in Australia are women and children, who require medical assistance, employment
opportunities, and access to education and interpreters. In total, more than 4,000
Ukrainians have arrived on special visas in Australia since February.
Help Ukraine now: donate to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal (tax deductible and run in
partnership with Rotary Australia) and save lives.
