Caritas Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision to provide $31 million to help meet Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian needs.
The funding will be split between the provision of heat and electricity to Ukrainians, supporting the United Nations as it coordinates supplying essentials such as food, shelter and water, and a UN partnership focused on supporting persons with disabilities.
Damian Spruce, Caritas’ advocacy associate director, said the charity is “pleased to see the Australian Government affording further support to Ukraine and its most vulnerable people, something the humanitarian sector has been advocating for since the last investment in June 2023”.
Last month, Caritas made a submission to the inquiry into Australian support for Ukraine that recommended: additional funding for Ukraine – both multi-year humanitarian funding and long-term funding aimed at redevelopment; an overall increase to the Humanitarian Emergencies fund; and the provision of new funding pathways for non-governmental organisations that support local partners.
“What we are hearing from our partners in the region is that millions of Ukrainians are facing a compounding humanitarian crisis that is already having a long-term impact on future generations,” Mr Spruce said.
“Loss of homes, livelihoods, disruption of education, and severe trauma all have lasting consequences. We still need greater funding opportunities for local partners who could make the greatest difference in the face of these challenges.”
Details: Caritas Australia’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
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Caritas Australia welcomes a $31m government investment into Ukraine aid (Caritas Australia)
