Fleeing from the war, a Ukrainian father and child arrive at the border of Poland | Photo by Sergi Cámara/Entrecultural-Alboan-JRS
In response to the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, Jesuit Mission Australia has launched a Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support those who are facing extreme injustice and conflict.
The appeal will provide emergency shelter, food, and essential items, medical escorts, translation, and accompaniment to Ukrainian people in desperate need, made possible thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe.
JRS Europe will coordinate the emergency response by mobilising support from offices across Hungary, Poland, Romania, Macedonia, south east Europe, as well as within Ukraine.
In Lviv, Ukraine, a Jesuit house has already been converted into a transit home for the displaced, and in Romania and Poland, JRS is providing immediate food and shelter to arriving asylum seekers.
“It is deeply distressing seeing our Ukrainian sisters and brothers suffer like this. Any donation towards the Jesuits’ vital efforts will make an enormous difference on the ground,” said Helen Forde CEO of Jesuit Mission.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to mass displacement and violence against men, women, and children. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, more than one million people have fled Ukraine in the week since the invasion began and one million more are displaced internally.
On Sunday Pope Francis called for an end to the conflict, urging people to support the vulnerable Ukrainan people: “Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. It is not merely a military operation, but a war, which sows death, destruction and misery. The number of victims is increasing, as are the people fleeing, especially mothers and children. The need for humanitarian assistance in that troubled country is growing dramatically by the hour.”
Jesuit Mission stands in solidarity with the devastated families in Ukraine, and urges supporters to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. To make a donation to Jesuit Mission for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal click here.
