New York – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is joining with UN agencies, national and international non-governmental organizations and civil society to provide a comprehensive response to the escalating crisis in Ukraine both within the country and in neighbouring countries that are receiving Ukrainian refugees. The Flash Appeal will support those affected inside Ukraine, while the Regional Refugee Response Plan will provide vital support to protect and assist those fleeing Ukraine.

The humanitarian Flash Appeal calls for $1.1 billion for more than six million people in need with life-saving aid and protection over the next three months inside Ukraine. UNDP support in-country will include food chain support, community and social cohesion and emergency response.

In Ukraine, UNDP will address the most urgent needs of the affected population, especially the internally displaced, by providing emergency support to livelihoods and basic service restoration, leveraging its longstanding engagement with local partners. UNDP will also strengthen its mine action response, in close partnership with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and other relevant actors. 

Since the conflict began less than a week ago, more than 600,000 people have fled Ukraine and millions more are displaced inside the country. UNHCR estimates that more than four million people could flee Ukraine and seek protection and support across the region. The inter-agency Regional Refugee Response Plan is driven by four key objectives: support host countries to ensure every refugee has access to safety and international protection; ensuring host countries are able to provide timely and life-saving humanitarian assistance for refugees and third country nationals; facilitate a whole-of-society approach for solutions; ensure effective coordination among partners at the country and regional level.  

“I am deeply concerned for the millions of Ukrainians impacted and displaced by the military offensive that is underway,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “We have joined the UN system-wide appeal so that we are able to support immediate efforts to protect and assist those most affected in the country, as well as refugees from Ukraine, and to scale up recovery and reconstruction efforts when conditions allow.”

Working with neighboring host country governments, UNDP’s support will provide emergency healthcare services and psychosocial counselling for refugees, transportation services including ambulances and buses to bring people across the border, as well as temporary accommodation and shelter. 

“I echo the Secretary-General and our UN colleagues when I say the violence must end. We need peace. People’s lives, their dignity, and human rights must be protected,” added Steiner.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

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