FOUR years on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, continuing devastation and civilian casualties serve as a stark reminder that the need for humanitarian aid remains as pressing as ever.
Islanders have helped to keep that aid going, with a Bailiff’s Appeal launched following the invasion raising £4.5 million through public donations, government support and Jersey Overseas Aid’s own humanitarian budget.
The appeal has enabled financial support to other humanitarian agencies addressing multiple needs – including essential healthcare, mine clearance training, mobile incubators and other essential services for those impacted by the conflict.
Jersey Overseas Aid has released a video message from Islander Leila Osman, who has been working alongside the UNHCR in Ukraine as part of a JOA-backed programme.
UNHCR is the largest humanitarian actor operating in the war-torn country, providing emergency shelter support after attacks in frontline and heavily affected regions.
It has helped repair almost 55,000 homes and provide cash assistance to more than 2.4 million people, including through a programme that helps vulnerable families cover energy needs during winter as well as evacuees or families whose homes have been impacted by air strikes.
Other forms of aid include the provision of home insulation kits, generators and portable power stations as well as legal counselling and psychosocial support.
Currently based in Kyiv, Ms Osman is Jersey’s fourth United Nations junior professional officer.
She said: “Four years have now passed since the start of the full-scale war here in Ukraine.
“This means four years of massive airstrikes, destroyed homes and killings of civilians. Four years of families desperately fleeing from everything they hold dear.”
Ms Osman continued: “I see clearly every day how the war continues at full power, how people here, including my Ukrainian colleagues, are all impacted in different ways, and how millions of vulnerable people, especially in frontline areas, continue to need vital humanitarian support to rebuild and recover.”
Outlining some of the UNHCR’s work being carried out alongside Ukrainian NGO partners, she added: “We provide emergency assistance immediately after attacks and we repair war-damaged homes.
“We provide much-needed legal assistance to people who have lost their documents and psychosocial support to traumatized families.
“During the cold winter months, like now, we provide things like heaters, blankets and insulation kits to help the most vulnerable people stay warm.”
Ms Osman cited “the strong support from our government and private donors”, including Jersey Overseas Aid.
“Our work and the international solidarity and support need to continue. I witness myself how it provides a real lifeline for people living through a horrible war.”
Martin Wyness, a former JEP photographer who spent years working as an emergency medical technician and now teaches tactical combat casualty care in the UK and other countries, has also seen the impact of the conflict first-hand.
Mr Wyness has been to Ukraine five times since the war began, operating with a mobile-hospital team in the ‘red zones’ where some of the heaviest fighting is taking place.
He said: “It’s more dangerous than it’s ever been over there.
“Once you’re within 30 kilometres of the front it’s lethal, because of drones – they actively hunt down any civilian vehicles.”
Mr Wyness described the support from Islanders over the last four years as “amazing”, adding that “we’ve been able to buy medical monitors, equipment, vehicles, all kinds of things”.
“Jersey has, with its help, saved countless lives.”
But he noted that “there’s so much that we still need to do” and highlighted the need to keep support going.
“Consumables, especially fuel, things like that – it’s endless.”
In a statement, International Development Minister Carolyn Labey said: “Jersey continues to stand in solidarity with the people affected by the war in Ukraine, offering support to trusted international partners including the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, and other humanitarian agencies providing life-saving assistance.”
The minister continued: “The generosity shown by the people of Jersey, through the Bailiff’s Appeal, combined with allocations from Jersey Overseas Aid has allowed for significant support for essential relief to those displaced or impacted by the conflict.
“Our community’s compassion and commitment reflect our shared belief in protecting human dignity and supporting those in need.
“Islanders should be proud of the difference we have made to the lives of thousands of people living in unbearable conditions and who face unimaginable challenges every day.”
