Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis February 2022

Since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on 24 February, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly. The war has caused death and massive suffering in the country. 

Millions of people need urgent humanitarian assistance, both in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries that are hosting refugees. The conflict has led to the world’s fastest growing displacement crisis since the Second World War, with more than 13 million people forced to flee their homes. The war has also devastated Ukraine’s economy: economic losses are estimated at over $1 trillion, and half of employed Ukrainians have lost their jobs.   

The United Nations and partners, including businesses big and small, have come together to assist people affected by the conflict.  

A collective effort to address the needs of millions of people 

The UN and humanitarian partners have launched coordinated emergency appeals to address the acute humanitarian needs of both crisis-affected people within Ukraine as well as refugees in neighbouring countries. 

The Ukraine Flash Appeal, updated on 25 April by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), seeks over $2.25 billion for March – August 2022 to deliver humanitarian assistance and protection to affected people in Ukraine.  

The Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan, led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to help refugees in Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and other countries in the region in order to help host countries provide shelter, emergency relief items, cash assistance, and mental health and psychosocial support to those who fled Ukraine. This includes people with specific needs, such as unaccompanied children. 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Government of Ukraine to address the socio-economic impact on Ukraine caused by the war, focusing on resilience building and recovery.  

Mobilizing the Private Sector to Support Humanitarian Response and Recovery 

The private sector has played a crucial role in the humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine, mobilizing over US$ 1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions. CBi is supporting UN efforts to engage the private sector in the response.  

The OCHA Business Guide to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis (revised in April), prepared with the support of CBi and the UN Global Compact, outlines the ways that businesses around the world can help the people of Ukraine. 

CBi is also working with UN Global Compact Local Networks in Poland and Ukraine to help businesses understand the local humanitarian coordination structures in place as well the humanitarian principles and best practices that should be taken into account when engaging in the response. 

CBi has longstanding guidelines and tools for private sector entities engaged in disaster management in fragile situations and conflict-affected areas. For more, view our resources on Conflict and Fragility. 

If your business is supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine, consider adding to CBi’s "Twitter moment" featuring public announcements of support from businesses of all kinds.