A humanitarian crisis is developing in Ukraine, and you might be wondering whether there is anything that you can do to help. Advice from charities expert in providing humanitarian support have identified the three main things that we can do here in the UK to make the most impact.
Firstly, visa restrictions are preventing Ukranian refugees seeking asylum in the UK. If you disagree with the government’s stance on this, you can sign a petition or write to your MP, to ask them to change their minds. In some circumstances it is possible for employers to sponsor work visas and travel costs, so this is something that you might also consider if you are currently recruiting.
Secondly, you can make a cash donation to a verified charity which can get the money where it is most needed, as quickly as possible. Reliable organisations to send a donation to are:
- The British Red Cross
- The UNHCR refugee agency
- Unicef
- Save the Children
- The Disasters Emergency Committee
- The Association of Ukranians in Great Britain
- The Ukranian Embassy
Finally, the Refugee Council are asking for volunteers to help support refugees once they arrive in the UK.
While it might be tempting to collect physical goods to send to Ukraine, advice from charities is that this is not the best way to help, due to the logistics of getting the goods into a war zone. A cash or time donation, or lobbying of parliament is the best way to support Ukranians at this time.