Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing since the full scale invasion in February 2022, and today a significant territory in the eastern part is occupied by the Russian Federation. Because of the war 5.3 million Ukrainians were internally displaced inside the country. Many are destitute, having lost their homes and livelihoods. In Odesa District, the cities of Bolgrad and Izmael, have occasionally been targeted by missiles, but generally remain a safer part of the country, thus hosting a larger part of internally displaced persons (IDP’s). Since 2022 IAS has been present in the area serving the most vulnerable IDPs, children, and elderly, and strengthening local actors.  
 
IAS are working together with Korsør Pinsekirke, Citykirken Århus with the local Ukrainian organization, Charity Fund ’Gift’. Charity Fund ‘Gift’ has worked with social services for poor and vulnerable people for more than 16 years. Partnering with six churches and local authorities, among others, Charity Fund ‘Gift’ is a strong civil society organization.  
 
Our humanitarian interventions (funded by Danish Emergency Relief Fund) have provided supplementary supplies for IDPs family units through voucher-based assistance for improved livelihood and well-being to enhance the resilience of particular vulnerable households. Our interventions further address the immense challenges of trauma-related issues and psycho-social needs among vulnerable groups. This is done by strengthening the capacity of local churches, collaboration with authorities, networks, and other stakeholders to deliver psycho-social support to the target groups. These interventions (funded by CKU and CISU) are working directly into a nexus between working in short term humanitarian aid and long-term development by capacity building the democratic understanding, relevant civic engagement and local and civic lead programs that address the needs and trauma of the local population.  
 
IAS is currently expanding its presence in Ukraine through partnership with Edobro, a national charitable foundation founded by the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church.