August 19, 2023
News
Every year, on 19th of August, the world commemorates World Humanitarian Day. This special day recognizes and celebrates the contribution and dedication of humanitarian workers who have devoted their lives to serving the most vulnerable people around the globe. From the very first day of the war in Ukraine, Caritas Czech Republic has been involved in assisting refugees in Moldova by providing immediate humanitarian aid.
1) Humanitarian support at the borders
Since the 24 of February, 2022, the influx of refugees arriving in Moldova has led to a rapid increase in humanitarian needs. The first people to leave Ukraine were mainly mothers with children and the elderly, who often travelled for days across the bombed-out Ukraine in crowded trains and buses. Since the first days of the war, Caritas Czech Republic has provided refugees with hot tea, snacks and heated tents to find shelter during the cold days. Our team in the Republic of Moldova assisted at the border from day one, distributing over 7,000 hygiene and first aid kits.
2) Meeting basic needs of refugees
Since the beginning of the conflict, Caritas Czech Republic has equipped 12 refugee accommodation centres in Moldova and provided them with life necessities such as beds, blankets, washing machines, and refrigerators. Thanks to financial support from the European Union, Caritas Czech Republic has distributed around 4 000 bags of essential hygiene products and provided cash assistance to more than 2 000 refugees. This type of support allowed people to cover basic needs such as food, hygiene products, medications, and clothing.
At the same time, Caritas Czech Republic facilitated access to psychological support services for refugees. More than 3,400 refugees have benefited from psychological assistance that helped them overcome the trauma caused by the war.
3) Support during the cold season
Caritas Czech Republic also supported refugees during the cold weather. Approximately 2,000 Ukrainians received cash assistance to purchase necessary winter items. In addition, Ukrainian refugees also received additional cash assistance for the cold season, from November 2022 to February 2023.
Moreover, over a span of three consecutive months, Caritas Czech Republic provided 350 refugee families with value cards that ensured partial and temporary food and hygiene security.
4) Humanitarian workers restore hope and smiles
Caritas Czech Republic's humanitarian efforts have transformed the lives of those displaced by war. "I am very grateful for the support provided by Caritas Czech Republic. It is one of the few organisations that help refugees from remote regions in Moldova," says Tatiana, a refugee displaced from Odessa due to the war. "In addition to financial support, our family also received food vouchers and hygiene kits. Now we can cover our gas and electricity bills, buy medications, and take our dog to the vet.“
The care and support of humanitarian workers shows people in need that, no matter the circumstances, they can rebuild not only places but also souls, bringing hope and smiles in the lives of those who need it. "When we fled to Moldova, we did not know how we would survive in a foreign country. Once we arrived here, we turned to Caritas Czech Republic, and thanks to the material and moral support we received, we are not hungry, and our psychological wounds are slowly healing thanks to psychological help," shared Lilia from Kharkiv.
Caritas Czech Republic will continue to provide support to those in need and bring hope and light into the hearts of people, bringing smiles to the faces of those affected by the war.
