Ukraine
Problem statement
An armed conflict erupted throughout Donbass region in the aftermath of the so-called ‘’Euromadian revolution’’ in 2014 and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. In spite of several ceasefires and the Minsk agreements with attempts to provide a peaceful resolution to the conflict, hostilities continue to pose an immediate threat to human security. Approximately 7,000 square kilometers is suspected to be contaminated by mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war in Donbass region only, while Ukraine still suffers from contamination in other parts dating back from both world wars.
Humanitarian situation is dire as many people struggle to satisfy their basic needs and as the government struggles to provide all necessary assistance. Almost 1.4 million people have been registered as internally displaced persons (IDPs), around 250,000 of them children. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives and more than 24,000 people have been wounded according to the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office.
In order to support implementation of activities, ITF has in June 2016 established its Temporary Representative Office in Ukraine.
What we do
Victim Assistance
Since 2014 until end of July 2017, ITF has enabled psychosocial rehabilitation for 321 children from Donbass region in Ukraine, who were severely traumatized due to war atrocities, have lost their relatives or friends and whose families are dealing with very tough economic circumstances. The project will continue with additional 80 children to be included into the tailor-made psychosocial rehabilitation program until end of 2018, while ITF would like to expand the program and engage even more children in need.
ITF has also successfully enabled the third physical rehabilitation phase for a 13-year-old girl who was severly wounded and lost her left leg during the conflict in Ukraine. First two phases of rehabilitation were successfully completed at the University Rehabilitation Institute in Slovenia (URI – Soča) and the treatment will continue in 2018, when her prosthesis will be re-adjusted. Furthermore, ITF enabled the rehabilitation of a Ukrainian internally displaced boy in Budapest. Due to the rising number of casualties ITF is fundraising to ensure physical rehabilitation for additional children in need.
Capacity Building
National rehabilitation capacities in Ukraine are limited and cannot address the needs presented with the aftermath of armed conflict in Ukraine. ITF always puts emphasis on capacity building and is currently working on equipping the Ukrainian Research Institute for Prosthetics and Rehabilitation in Kharkov.
For more information on ITF’s past activities in Ukraine, we welcome you to consult our Annual Reports, while for the plans in the forthcoming year please consider our Portfolio of Projects.