“As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we do so with a heavy heart, reflecting on the immense suffering and hardship endured by the Ukrainian people, who continue to show extraordinary resilience. At the same time, we recognise and commend the people of Jersey's efforts in fundraising and to welcoming some of those affected into our community, the response has been one of compassion and unwavering support. As an island, we stand firm in our commitment to humanitarian assistance and to supporting the people of Ukraine in their time of need,” said Deputy Carolyn Labey, Chair of the JOA Commission and Jersey’s International Development Minister.
Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, JOA has distributed funding raised through the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal, its own emergency funding as well as additional funding from Jersey’s Government. In neighbouring countries, JOA has provided support for refugee reception centres in Poland, Slovakia and Moldova and supported much needed mental health and psycho-social support services for those fleeing the violence, while inside Ukraine, JOA has supplied thousands of trauma kits for medics, dozens of incubators for babies, oxygen concentrators and many other essential items, all coordinated with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, the United Nations and other partners. JOA was also one of the first donors to send Ukrainian women on training courses in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
Most recently, JOA contributed to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, 2024/2025 Winter Response Plan, supporting an integrated, multi-faceted response to help people survive the harsh winter conditions.
Commenting on Jersey’s support, Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine, said: “For now three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we are witnessing suffering, hardship, massive displacement, separation of families and dire humanitarian needs across Ukraine. I am very grateful to the government and people of Jersey for the continuous support to UNHCR's Ukraine operation, not least the timely funding to our winter response which has very directly helped households with specific vulnerabilities and needs due to the war to keep their homes warm and habitable during the harsh cold months. Compared to its size, Jersey’s contributions are proportionally significant, and the funding of a JPO staff is also very valuable for our work on the ground in Ukraine, spanning from life-saving aid and vital protection assistance to house repairs and contributions to the early recovery work. The support from Jersey truly makes a big difference in the life of Ukrainians, while at the same time sending a most important message that solidarity with the people of Ukraine remains strong.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (UN OCHA) Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan 2025, since the escalation of the war in February 2022, until mid-October 2024, nearly 6.8 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded – 92 per cent of them in Europe. Inside Ukraine, an estimated 3.6 million people remain internally displaced as of October 2024. Beyond the physical destruction, the prolonged war has exposed millions to trauma and psychological distress due to constant uncertainty, fear of attacks, grave protection risks and aggravated mental health among all age groups, with some 63 per cent of households reporting at least one form of mental health challenge. The destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine has been catastrophic since the escalation of the war. Civilian infrastructure, such as power grids, water supply networks and transportation infrastructure, have been targeted, severely disrupting people’s access to basic services and deepening the needs of the most vulnerable. Hospitals and schools have not been spared from attacks. About 3,600 educational institutions, including nearly 2,000 schools, have suffered damage with some 371 educational facilities totally destroyed since the escalation of the war
For information regarding JOA’s Ukraine response please go to: Ukraine Response | Jersey Overseas Aid Commission