The Irish Emergency Alliance (IEA) – a group of seven leading humanitarian agencies including Trócaire – has launched a fundraising appeal in response to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
The alliance was established to channel the generosity of Irish people, and to coordinate response to emergencies around the world.
We are all witnessing the unfolding horror of the conflict in Ukraine, and the enormous humanitarian crisis it has triggered. The reports and scenes across news channels are heartbreaking.
The response across the world has been one of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and the Irish people are keen to support the hundreds of thousands of civilians, especially women and children, who have been displaced. This figure is likely to turn into millions in the coming weeks.
The Irish Emergency Alliance appeal funds will be used to support humanitarian work involving people internally displaced in Ukraine and refugees in neighbouring countries – Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania.
Irish Emergency Alliance members have significant experience delivering humanitarian aid in fragile contexts and conflict-affected states. Conflict causes displacement as people flee fighting, leaving their homes with the clothes on their backs and often little more. Alliance members work directly and with partners to relieve the suffering of civilians and offer urgent assistance
The alliance is active in 85 of the world’s poorest countries, often working closely with local partner organisations. Last year IEA funds supported people affected by more than 20 disasters and conflicts worldwide, operating in some of the most difficult situations.
The other alliance member organisations are Action Aid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Self Help Africa, Tearfund, and World Vision Ireland.
ENDS
Photo from the Ukraine/Poland border. Credit: Caritas