#StandWithUkraine ๐บ๐ฆ๏ฟผ
March 3rd, 2022
Following the terrible news of the ongoing offensive of Russia in Ukraine, the EPIC project partners condemn these attacks and would like to join the messages of solidarity and spread the actions that we as citizens can take to support Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and with the countries that are making enormous efforts to safeguard refugees.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported that more than 500,000 people fled Ukraine seeking safety in just a few days since the beginning of the attacks. They are mainly women and children heading to Poland but also to Hungary, Moldova, Romania and beyond.
In contrast to the lack of consensus and solidarity experienced in other humanitarian crises in recent years, the 27 member states of the EU have agreed to take in Ukrainian refugees without asylum requests and make funds available to countries on the front lines of this crisis. Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania have already opened their borders to let in those trying to escape bombing and people around the globe but especially in those neighbouring countries are mobilising help and support.
It is essential that all those currently trying to escape the war in Ukraine, regardless of their religion,ย nationalย origin, race,ย or color are brought to safety immediately. Discrimination must not be tolerated.
Our partner AEIDL has produced a support, solidarity and information resource – please help any of the organisations on the resource. If you have any resources or contacts you think we should add, please send them to solidarity@aeidl.eu.
Our coordinator ALDA is supporting the fundraising initiated by:
- The Municipality of Mariupol โ our memberโ, which is under strong threat and is asking for help. Please find the bank details HERE
- AO EZZYLINK โ a Moldovan Association providing unceasingly assistance to Ukrainian refugees crossing the border to Moldova, providing warm food, blankets, and other basic goods. Please find the bank details HERE
Moreover, they are about is about to put in place several initiatives in support of Ukrainian communities and refugees.
If you want to contribute and/or to give your input and join forces, send us your manifestation of interest by sending an email to: alda4ukraine@alda-europe.eu
๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ of other actions ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐จ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ค๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐:
SUPPORT LOCAL NGOS
All over the world, many NGOs are mobilising to help the Ukrainian population. Some are on the ground, ready to provide families with food, medical aid, hygiene products, psychosocial support, etc. Others are acting in foreign territories to receive asylum seekers. Others are working in foreign territories to welcome asylum seekers. Your donations will help them to provide the necessary assistance to the victims. Go to the information resource document done by AEIDL to find country-specific and international ways of offering support, such as the Support Ukraine Now website by Global Shapers Hubs in Ukraine, which offers a comprehensive list of actions, contacts, resources and local tips around Europe.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CONTEXT
Every crisis, every war is rooted in complex realities. It is not always easy to understand the context and perhaps you have not heard about the Russo-Ukrainian crisis before the act of war. Read articles, listen to podcasts and watch documentaries to learn more. The media Ukraine world has launched a series of podcasts: https://ukraineworld.org/podcasts
URGE YOUR GOVERNMENTS TO ACT
As citizens living in a democracy, you have political power. Make it heard. Call on your representatives, your MPs, your president to demand sanctions against the Kremlin.
JOIN A PEACE PROTEST
All over the world and in Europe, members of civil society are organising marches and demonstrations in support of the Ukrainian people. Find out what is being organised in your area to participate or take the initiative if there is no such event planned. Find the nearest demonstration at: https://standwithukraine.live/peace-protests/
MAKE EASY ACCESS FOR ASYLUM
Whether you are a city, an NGO or an individual, express your solidarity with asylum seekers by being welcoming.
REDUCE YOUR CONSUMPTION OF FOSSIL FUELS
Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of oil, natural gas and coal. Western Europe is heavily dependent on fossil fuels from Russia. It’s the main bit of leverage that Putin has over your government. To act, reduce your consumption!
USE THE RIGHT TERMS
By invading Ukrainian territory, Russia is violating the sovereignty of a free country: it is an act of war. Not a crisis.
DO NOT SHARE FAKE NEWS
Pro-Russian propaganda spreads false justifications and information about the ongoing war. Disinformation is an instrument of war. To avoid falling into the trap of fake news, refer to reliable media such as the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine World, the New Voice of Ukraine, Kyiv Post
DO NOT MAKE AMALGAMS
Russian people also condemn this war and support peace. It is not the Russian people that we should condemn but those who support the war. Supporting peace has no nationality.
SUPPORT THE UKRAINIAN ECONOMY
You can support the Ukrainian economy by buying Ukrainian products and brands.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITIES & SOCIAL MEDIA
There is a multitude of news accounts from individuals and groups who regularly share news from Ukraine and ways to help. Follow them, use their #, like, share their contents, and stay informed. Some examples are: Stand With Ukraine, Svidomi, Ukrainians in Solidarity
