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VIEW MORECHARIS Response To The Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine
It pains our hearts to see the situation unfolding in Ukraine, and we cannot simply ignore the suffering of the people. The humanitarian crisis is worsening in Ukraine. Many are being displaced - families are torn apart and many have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries as refugees.
CHARIS has committed an initial S$100,000 from our Humanitarian Aid Fund to meet the humanitarian needs that are rapidly escalating, supporting Caritas Ukraine and Caritas SPES, who are on the ground reaching out to all those in need, as well as other Caritas/partner organisations that are responding to the arising needs from this humanitarian crisis. We welcome Catholics in Singapore who would like to contribute by joining us in prayer for peace and for all who are suffering, or to give their widow’s mite.
Prior to the open conflict occurring in Ukraine which started in the early hours of 24 February 2022, the local population was already living in adverse circumstances. Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine, says “there were already 2.9 million local people on both sides of the contact line who were in need of humanitarian assistance. Today, that number is increasing exponentially”. The situation has caused a loss of civilian lives, livelihoods, damage to infrastructure, food shortages, and displacement.
According to UNHCR’s latest statement on 28 Feb 2022, 520,000 people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries amidst the turmoil, and the numbers are rising drastically.
As the conflict intensifies, there is a pressing need to support the vulnerable and those who have been displaced. People are forced to move, arriving at train stations, bus stations, and administrative hubs in dire need of information and assistance; transportation to friends, family, and safe spaces for shelter and support; food, water, and items to protect from the harsh winter environment. Some also require urgent connections to pharmacies or doctors for medical needs, assistance with legal documents, and psychosocial support.
According to UNHCR’s latest statement on 28 Feb 2022, 520,000 people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries amidst the turmoil, and the numbers are rising drastically.
As the conflict intensifies, there is a pressing need to support the vulnerable and those who have been displaced. People are forced to move, arriving at train stations, bus stations, and administrative hubs in dire need of information and assistance; transportation to friends, family, and safe spaces for shelter and support; food, water, and items to protect from the harsh winter environment. Some also require urgent connections to pharmacies or doctors for medical needs, assistance with legal documents, and psychosocial support.
Caritas Ukraine work first began in 1992, after Ukraine declared independence. It was set up by local Greek Catholic communities to distribute humanitarian assistance to poor families. However, the needs of society forced Caritas’ activity in Ukraine to expand which led to the formation of the international charitable foundation Caritas Ukraine in 1994. 
Caritas-Spes, which means “Love” and “Hope” in Latin, is a charitable mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine. It was founded by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine in May 1995 and was later registered by the State Committee on Religious Issues in September 1996. Caritas was the first organisation to offer humanitarian assistance after Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.