The conflict in Ukraine has already seen countless lives, homes and childhoods lost. As the crisis nears its second full month, Plan International warns of a rapidly deteriorating situation for girls and families stranded in areas that have no safe exit routes, facing a daily challenge for survival with limited access to water, food and adequate shelter.
“We urge all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law — attacks targeting civilians and schools, health centers, markets or farmlands, among others, are unacceptable and jeopardize the rights, well-being and safety of civilians, especially girls and other young people,” Plan International USA President & CEO Mustafa Kudrati said. “We are calling for an immediate end to fighting and long-term peace for the sake of the most vulnerable and at-risk populations. We must act now before more lives are lost.”
Through this conflict, humanitarian needs are multiplying by the hour. People who have been forced to flee have left with whatever they can carry — they urgently need shelter, protection, blankets, food, water and medical assistance, as well as emotional care and support.
“This refugee crisis is notable in that it is primarily women, children and elderly people, already the most vulnerable during conflicts, who are fleeing into neighboring countries,” Plan USA Disaster Risk Management Manager and Protection Specialist Michelle Van Akin said. “This represents a unique challenge, as women will have to contend with caring for children while also providing for their families. There is a considerable risk that without immediate, life-saving assistance, as well as longer-term support, these refugee households may not be able to make ends meet.”
Plan International and partners’ response
Plan International is working closely with local organizations in Moldova, Poland and Romania to help girls and their families impacted by the conflict and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and protection, ensuring that they receive support as they cross the border from Ukraine. Plan is also working with government authorities and organizations in those countries to support the integration of refugee children into local schools. From our 85+ years of experience responding to conflicts like this, we know that getting children back into safe learning environments is critical to providing a protective space and a sense of normalcy.
Photo: Children in Moldova with backpacks full of educational materials provided by Plan International.
The protection and safety of children on the move must be a top priority. Plan International is particularly concerned about the protection and safety of separated or unaccompanied children, especially girls and young women, who are more vulnerable to abuse and trafficking.
In addition, Plan International in Germany is coordinating with authorities and working with partners in child protection to provide child-friendly spaces and activities, as well as emotional care for refugee and displaced children and their families.
Funding needed for Ukraine and other global crises
As an end to the crisis seems farther out of reach and needs continue to increase, Plan is urging donors to prioritize children, especially girls, in their funding decisions.
While Plan welcomes the massive and rapid support for the humanitarian emergency arising out of the conflict in Ukraine, we also stress how essential it is to address other crises around the world and not divert urgently needed funding from those crises.
Read more about Plan International’s response to the Ukraine crisis and how you can help.
