British charities launch fundraising appeal to help refugees from Ukraine
More than one million civilians have fled Ukraine
Last updated 3rd Mar 2022
In support of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a group of 15 charities, have launched a joint fundraising appeal to help more than a million refugees fleeing Ukraine.
The DEC's Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal, launched this morning (3 March), and every pound donated by the British public will be matched by the Government through its Aid Match scheme up to the value of £20 million, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.
One member of executive described the situation as one of the most "heart-breaking" he had ever seen.
'All the children I met were crossing the border in tears, with pain and fear in their eyes'
Among those on the ground was Andrew Morley, chief executive of World Vision International, who has returned from Siret on the Romanian border where he saw relief operations in action.
He said: "We support children in countless crises across the world, including those I have recently visited such as Syria and the DRC, but I have never seen a more heart-breaking situation.
"All the children I met were crossing the border in tears, with pain and fear in their eyes.
"They were lost and scared.
"They need the basics, simple, practical help"
The committee said people fleeing Ukraine were in desperate need of food, water, medical assistance and protection with many forced to hide in "shelters and metro stations" to stay safe.
"The majority crossing the borders are women and children arriving with only what they can carry," it added.
The Prime Minister first announced the appeal in PMQs, saying: "Time and time again the British people have proved responsive and generous when confronted with a global emergency, and so I have no doubt that millions will support this vital appeal.
"That is also why the UK Government will match every pound donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee by the British public, ensuring vital supplies and support reaches those left homeless, displaced and distraught by this war.”
The DEC will also held a press conference in central London this morning where its chief executive, Saleh Saeed, was joined by Mr Morley other spokespeople and aid workers on the ground:
The DEC's 15 member charities are: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue Committee UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.
You can donate to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal on DEC's website.