Stand With Ukraine – How to Help
Picture from a subway station turned into a bomb-shelter in Kyiv last night. Photo by Yuliia Sachuk.
As we, at the Khalifa Ihler Institute stated yesterday we stand with the people of Ukraine. Against the unlawful imperialist attack launched by the Russian autocratic regime.
As hard as it is to witness the suffering, confusion and fear caused by the invasion of Ukraine, it is in times like these that defences for peace become absolutely critical.
So, what can we do?
The answer is that we all have a role to play. We can show support for the people of Ukraine, help ensure that people remain informed about what is happening. We can make sure people know where help and assistance can be found, and how funds, material support, shelter and other services can be channelled on the ground to those who need it the most.
Here are a few ways in which you can help:
Some of our friends have begun to compile a list of local organizations taking donations in support of Ukrainians here: https://standwithukraine.live/how-to-help/
Others lists include: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ and https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CdrWLAkEaOMV7fBbIWzHsgHmFz8s1GM6e_7a57oc3ug/edit?usp=sharing
To support persons with disabilities our friends at Fight for Right, a Ukrainian non-profit dedicated to working for the rights of persons with disabilities are organizing a GoFundMe campaign that can be found here: https://gofund.me/5723f869 – you can read more about their work here: https://eng.ffr.org.ua/
Countries bordering Ukraine, including Poland, Hungary and Romania have opened their borders to refugees. While men currently are being asked to stay, women, children and the elderly are able to cross. If you live near a border, one way to help those crossing is by providing shelter and transportation. If you live further away and know anyone at the border, you can guide them in finding verified information and coordinating efforts.
Various online communities are appearing, including efforts to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees like this one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699929631375624/
War does not only happen on the ground.
Information warfare plays an important role in the Russian offensive strategy.
Staying informed, helping inform communities and making sure that misinformation is countered and limited is another crucial way of lending support.
To learn more about the way in which Russia uses misinformation in warfare we recommend this podcast episode: https://ukraineworld.org/podcasts/ep-65
Make sure to follow trusted sources and reporters on the ground. A good news source in English is https://ukraineworld.org a list of Twitter accounts put together by journalists at Bellingcat can be found here: https://twitter.com/i/lists/1378399759992512516
Other Ukrainian news-sources in English include: https://kyivindependent.com/ and https://english.nv.ua/
Resources, addresses and talking points for reaching out to political leaders have been gathered here: https://tinyurl.com/help-ukraine
For anyone seeking shelter or helping refugees find shelter: https://szallas.hu, a Hungarian hotel-booking service is helping anyone from Ukraine in need of shelter. They have rooms and apartments in Hungary, Romania and Poland. You can contact them by email on: [email protected] or phone: +36 30 344 2000 (9:00-18:00 GMT+1)
Showing solidarity, voicing our collective objection to the invasion and war is another key way of supporting Ukrainians. There are protests taking place around the world in support of the Ukrainian people, and defiance against the Russian invasion. You can find a list of protests here: https://standwithukraine.live/peace-protests/
If you are unable to support financially or attend a protest, you can still show up in support by spreading information about what is happening and how others can support. This is also a legitimate way of helping out. It is imperative that we stand together at times like this, to make our voices heard, and to make sure we support those who need it the most.
