Caritas Europa, as the umbrella organisation of Caritas in the Europe region, is deeply concerned over the rising tension at the Ukraine borders. We firmly echo the call of Pope Francis last Sunday, entrusting “to the conscience of political leaders, every effort on behalf of peace”, as any possible escalation may cause additional human suffering to the people in Ukraine and in the region as a whole.
The people of Ukraine have already endured eight years of armed conflict in the east of the country, a conflict that has been largely forgotten. Over 1.5 million people have been displaced while an estimated 2.9 million are currently in need of humanitarian protection. Caritas Ukraine has been active for 30 years and has been responding to this ongoing conflict since 2014. During this period, they have helped almost 950,000 people in the affected areas, starting with those living in the most vulnerable conditions, and thanks to the tireless support of more than 2000 staff and volunteers.
A deterioration of political dialogue and potential escalation in hostilities threatens to increase these needs exponentially, and swift action is necessary to respond to already unmet humanitarian needs, including those related to access, food and non-food items, and psychosocial support. Irrespective of the current tensions, the needs of those caught in this ongoing crisis must be prioritised, and humanitarian access must continuously be granted where needed.
We urge all parties to keep windows of political dialogue open in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The spread of war in Ukraine threatens not only to place millions more people within its borders in danger and need of humanitarian assistance but to create a wider humanitarian emergency that could gravely affect the region as a whole. The suffering of people of Ukraine must be seen and considered, the safety and protection of children, women and men shall be put at the centre of political attention.
Michael Landau, President of Caritas Europa
Caritas Europa is calling for increased diplomacy efforts and political dialogue by all stakeholders to deescalate tension and prevent military action. Failing to do so, will result in millions of Ukrainians fleeing their homes and finding themselves in need of protection, either elsewhere within Ukraine or in surrounding countries. This would constitute a humanitarian disaster on a scale not seen in Europe for decades.
Caritas Europa stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine during these challenging times dedicating special attention to the most vulnerable. The Ukrainian people, and those of the surrounding region, deserve to live in peace and with dignity. Caritas Europa urges all parties involved as well as relevant stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
