Many of us have watched the war in Ukraine closely. At a government and individual level, Australia has been a significant contributor of aid, providing support, assistance and ongoing donations. The following article dives into the magnitude of Australia’s contribution in response to the war in Ukraine over the past year.
A One-Year Milestone: The Situation in Ukraine
February 2023 marked the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the war has left at least 17.6 million people needing humanitarian assistance, of which 45% are women, 23% are children, and 15% are people with disabilities. Beyond the primal physical and safety needs, people have experienced ongoing violence, trauma, fear, uncertainty, destruction. “The world now knows that Ukraine is strong — we are defending ourselves”, Nataliia Petryk told the World Economic Forum, and considering the winter freezing temperatures and the energy crisis (since October), the situation is beyond inhumane and deteriorating.
On the 6th of February 2023, the UN Humanitarian Chief addressed the UN Security Council “to push forward with renewed vigour to give the people of Ukraine the peace and support they need and deserve”.
How Has The Invasion Played Out?
In short, Putin’s goal started with ‘righting the wrongs’, as he sees them, and promoting the false narrative that Russia and Ukraine constitute ‘one nation’. From wanting to restore the ‘historical Russia’ prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has only been resenting Ukraine for promoting its core values of freedom, democracy, independence, and European values.
The war in Ukraine has had worldwide consequences, shattering the peace in Europe. Up until the 27th of March 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 8,401 innocent deaths and 14,023 injuries, although the OHCHR specified that the real number could be higher.
Russia’s initial goals to take over the entire country of Ukraine have not been accomplished. Reinforced by foreign countries, Ukrainians have used their limited resources to stand strong. And on both ends, the invasion has resulted in significant losses.
Australia’s Contribution & Support To Ukrainians
On the 365-day mark, on the 24th of February 2023, Prime Minister Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Marles addressed the public on Australia’s standing position with Ukraine. Additionally to providing additional resources, a range of not-for-profit organisations have worked and continue working hard to provide humanitarian support to the people impacted by the war. Some of these include:
- Amnesty International: provide lifesaving crisis services in Ukraine such as urgent security, monitoring human rights abuses, and medical relief.
- Australian Red Cross: launched an appeal to provide emergency relief and longer-term support with health facilities, food, shelter, and vital infrastructure.
- Be Kind Sydney: receive around 30-40 people every week (since the early stages of the war) in Sydney seeking safety and shelter.
- Caritas: support displaced people in urban and rural areas with food, water, hygiene supplies, and psychological care.
- Emergency Action Alliance: composed of 15 leading aid organisations, we have been able to specialise in different areas and work together to provide fast and effective responses.
Measures Against Russia
As part of the coordinated international effort to hold Russia accountable for its actions, Australia has imposed additional measures on economic, political, and legal levels. These aim at targeting people and entities that are involved in activities of economic and strategic significance to Russia.
Australians’ Response To The War
Australians have watched Russia’s invasion and detrimental actions closely and have been broadly supportive of the policies that their government has put in place for the given circumstances.
“Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin”, mentioned then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
According to reports, 9 in 10 Australians (90%) say they support admitting Ukrainian refugees into the country, and almost the same proportion (89%) support keeping strict sanctions on Russia. 83% of the Australian population also say they support providing military aid to Ukraine.
Donations From the Australian Public
As well as governmental support, the Australian public has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable people in Ukraine. We’ve seen incredible generosity, with funds raised from our appeal going towards emergency food, shelter, and vital medical assistance.
Unfortunately, the crisis is far from over. Our EAA members are on the ground assisting right now, and your help is making a huge impact. You can still donate directly to our member organisations.
Find out more about the Emergency Action Alliance and what we do. If you have any questions or would like to chat with a member of our team, please contact us online.
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