In Ukraine, the IRC is working with local partners to provide emergency assistance to internally displaced people. So far, we have supported evacuation efforts for women and children, provided critical information services about housing, employment, refugee rights and registration for displaced people, as well as provided psychosocial care through a dedicated hotline. In the immediate term, the IRC is quickly ramping up cash distributions in Ukraine, carrying out an initial pilot with 500 households as the team works closely with local authorities to identify priority locations for further cash distribution. We are also planning to distribute the first batch of locally procured medical equipment and supplies from a partner’s warehouse to an estimated ten health facilities in eastern Ukraine.

In Poland, where over 2 million refugees have fled, the IRC has established three offices and is ramping up staffing. With IRC support, the Polish Forum for Migration has trained a psychologist to provide services at two accommodation locations in Warsaw. Throughout the month of April, we will be distributing cash support—piloting cash delivery approaches both directly and with partners—to Ukrainians living in major cities, such as Warsaw. It is also a priority to train staff members from partner organizations in protection and safeguarding for women and children, including gender-based violence and prevention. And in Warsaw, we have launched a mobile service for mental health and psychosocial support to displaced people living in shelters and transit sites within the city.