UNHCR delivering cash assistance in Ukraine Emergency

 

In Ukraine, many stores are only accepting cash. UNHCR is therefore preparing to roll out its cash assistance program at 6 registration centres to help Internally Displaced People (IDPs) such as Oleksandra buy the basics.  

 

Oleksandra fled with her two young daughters, Milana and Polina, and her mother Natalie when the military offensive broke out near their home in Donetsk.

 

“At five o’clock in the morning, we heard loud sounds of explosions, and we knew that the war had started,” said Oleksandra. “So, we packed and left immediately.”  

 

As the bombs fell, the family piled into the car and Oleksandra’s husband drove them to safety. Then he turned around. He was going back to fight.  

 

“I worry about him very much,” says Oleksandra. 

 

Oleksandra’s family is now staying at a university dorm converted into temporary accommodation for IDPs in Mukachevo, western Ukraine. 

UNHCR is working with authorities and humanitarian partners to establish reception centres, find long-term accommodation for displaced people, and deliver frontline services such as legal aid, psychosocial support and child protection services.   

 

Cash assistance is a vital part of UNHCR’s emergency response, both in Ukraine and in neighouring countries. 

 

“The payments will tide refugees over, allowing more dignity and independence, until they can work or receive social support,” says UNHCR Spokesperson Nathan Saltmarsh. “It allows refugees to prioritise, while providing a boost to local businesses.” 

 

Up to 250 people come to the dorm in Mukachevo each day. Some spend only a night before continuing on their journey to seek asylum in neighbouring countries, while others, like Oleksandra’s family, stay longer. 

 

Milana, 6, draws pictures of castles and hearts for her father in their dorm room. 

 

“I miss him,” she says. “The war will be over soon. We will go home in four days, and I will see both my grandmas and my granddad.”

 

Tragically, Milana’s dream hasn’t come true. However, basic support, such as cash assistance, is helping vulnerable families while they wait to see what their future holds.