Age International and DEC launch Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Age International and DEC launch Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and its member agencies, including Age International, have launched a humanitarian appeal to provide urgent assistance to those in need in Ukraine.

With the conflict in Ukraine escalating in recent days, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and its member agencies, including Age International, have launched a humanitarian appeal to provide urgent assistance to those in need.

The fighting has forced many thousands of people in Ukraine to flee their homes in search of safety and they urgently need supplies to meet their basic needs. Older people are disproportionately affected, and for those that have been left behind, the situation is particularly dangerous. 

Age International has been working in Ukraine since 2014 through their partner, HelpAge, supporting around 5,000 older people affected by the conflict with essentials such as food, medicine and psychological support.  In recent weeks, many people have been forced to leave their homes behind in search of safety and are living in temporary accommodation. This is now Europe’s largest refugee crisis since the Second World War and people require urgent food and other essential supplies to meet their basic needs. Our existing work in the region means we are uniquely placed to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of older people affected by this new crisis.

For older people who have been unable to flee, the situation is particularly perilous, leaving them isolated, without their families and cut off from the support they need, such as access to medicine and food. Older people are particularly vulnerable in conflict situations as mobility problems mean they are often not able to take shelter from danger.

Age International are also working with our partners in neighbouring countries, such as Moldova where many people have fled to safety, to understand how we can best support older people and their families who have escaped the conflict over the coming weeks and months.

They also have a large team of staff and volunteers in Ukraine. They have faced shelling, and some have had to move to safer locations. Despite the situation, the team is dedicated to respond to the needs of older people and their families affected. 

In crisis situations like this, older people are often amongst the most severely affected, yet are at high risk of being forgotten by the emergency relief efforts. Working with DEC member charities, we advocate for the inclusion of older people in humanitarian responses.

How you can help

Support Age International by sending them a donation via their website or donate to the DEC and spread the word by sharing this information.