On July 18, 2024, Filippo Grandi – the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – announced during his visit to Kharkiv the allocation of $100 million in financial contributions to Ukraine to better support its preparations for the upcoming winter season. This amount is not intended to strengthen Ukraine's military and defensive apparatus, which already receives various weapons and ammunition from Western states. Instead, this sum of humanitarian aid is part of the so-called "comprehensive winter response plan" developed by UNHCR.
Delving into the details of this UNHCR plan to survive the winter, it becomes clear that the central focus is on helping abandoned or liberated towns come back to life, ready to welcome their previously displaced inhabitants. In fact, part of the funds will be allocated for the repair of houses, water pipes, heating systems, and electrical and gas systems in homes. Additionally, major infrastructural work is planned for power plants, water plants, and dams to repair damages and prevent severe environmental impacts that could affect the surrounding population due to their fragility. Another goal to be achieved by winter is to strengthen the robustness of critical infrastructures for citizens' sustenance, with the hope that they can withstand enemy attacks better.
In addition to the already illustrated components of the plan, the most innovative aspect of the UNHCR winter response plan is the virtual platform "Ukraine Is Home”. This platform, jointly developed by UN offices and the Ukrainian Government, is aimed at all IDPs and Ukrainian refugees scattered across European nations. Through surveys, interviews, and other qualitative investigations conducted both throughout Ukraine and in other host countries, it is evident that their recurring desire is to return to their hometowns and their homes. However, the doubt that haunts many is the absence of accurate, up-to-date information that allows them to make informed decisions about a potential return.
By navigating the virtual platform, Ukrainian citizens will be able to understand and assess whether their town is in a safe area or too close to the combat line. Additionally, they will be able to obtain information and assistance regarding any documentation to be completed to request money, resources, or assistance in renovating their homes. Finally, through the platform, it will be possible to obtain the issuance of identity documents if lost during the escape, as well as to request legal assistance and/or social services for citizens with special needs.
In short, more than just a virtual page, "Ukraine Is Home" is a launch platform to help Ukrainians reclaim their future
To read more, please visit:
- https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/07/1152251
- https://www.unhcr.org/ua/en/70927-in-kharkiv-un-high-commissioner-for-refugees-filippo-grandi-urged-the-international-community-to-help-people-of-ukraine-prepare-for-third-wartime-winter.html
- https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/press-release/1001174.html
- https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/106738?_gl=1*1jk5ba3*_rup_ga*MTg3ODkyMjU2Mi4xNzE4MDI2NDY2*_rup_ga_EVDQTJ4LMY*MTcyMDQ0ODE3My4zOS4xLjE3MjA0NTA1MTguNjAuMC4w*_gcl_au*NDc0NTA5MTEuMTcxODAyNjQ2NQ..*_ga*MTg3ODkyMjU2Mi4xNzE4MDI2NDY2*_ga_X2YZPJ1XWR*MTcyMDQ1MDUxOC4xNC4wLjE3MjA0NTA1MTguNjAuMC4w#_ga=2.135913713.1341602735.1708437172-1940417760.1688643603
- https://ukraineishome.org/about-ukraine-is-home/
