The last two years have had a devastating impact for the civilians impacted by the war. Uncertainty is a constant part of daily life. Attacks on essential services like water and electricity continue to make life difficult.
There has been overwhelming international support for those affected by the war in Ukraine, but it is affected communities themselves who are providing the majority of aid to individuals who need it. And while people’s needs have changed since the beginning of the crisis, the work these communities need to do to support people has not gone away.
Following the escalation of the war in Ukraine, local and national organizations were some of the first on the ground responding to their communities’ needs, both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries, and two years on, they are still at the forefront of responding.
These organisations have played a vital role in the humanitarian response and have a deep knowledge of their communities and how to serve them. Communities themselves continue to rise to extraordinary levels to support each other too – but war takes a heavy toll.
By partnering with women-led organisations, women’s rights organisations and organisations supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, Roma communities and other marginalised groups, Oxfam’s humanitarian response has targeted those at risk of being left behind by the international humanitarian response.
Since February 2022, Oxfam has worked with 43 partner organisations in Ukraine and neighboring countries and reached over 2 million people.
Oleksandra, ‘Rokada’ staff member, in Ukraine. Photo: Anna Romandash/Oxfam