RISE UP. Integrated Emergency Support Response in Eastern Ukraine

As the conflict situation deteriorates, the population in the Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts is exposed to high humanitarian risks, particularly the most vulnerable groups: children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Since the outbreak of the war, WeWorld together with its partners on the ground is intervening to help the affected population cope with the emergency: for this project, it is supporting 306,774 direct beneficiaries, including 61,362 internally displaced persons. 

Joint work with local partner Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv and the Cesvi Foundation identified problems and needs in the region in several priority areas such as education, health, protection, WASH and Cash Assitance. Since the outbreak of the conflict, more and more people are in need of immediate assistance for needs such as lack of housing and basic non-food items. Educational services, at the same time, have been severely compromised: in the region, only schools equipped with bomb shelters can fully reopen because they can accommodate all students and staff during air raids. Among the communities interviewed on the ground, there is also a need for adequate awareness and knowledge of the risks of mines and other ordnance, protection from gender-based violence and child protection services, as well as clear difficulties in covering health needs, both for the purchase of medicines and access to services. In addition to health and hygiene issues, the assessment finally highlighted that damage to the water and energy infrastructure still causes drinking water shortages, breakdowns in central heating, sewage and communal services.