Ireland to allocate €36 million for humanitarian support to Ukraine

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Foreign Minister and Defense Minister Micheál Martin have announced a new significant support package for Ukraine and its neighbors.

According to Yevropeiska Pravda, this is stated in a statement by the Irish government.

This package of €36 million from Ireland will provide the necessary humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and possible reconstruction, and contribute to the achievement of Ukraine's long-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations, the government said.

“We have witnessed the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by the people of Ukraine in the face of these challenges. The same determination and perseverance will be needed to rebuild their country with the support of international partners, including Ireland. We have been unequivocal and unwavering in our support for the people of Ukraine and this additional funding continues to demonstrate that commitment,” said Harris.

“At the Ukraine Peace Summit, I pledged Ireland's support for the reintegration of children who were forcibly deported to Russia and have now returned. This package includes €2 million to support this goal in partnership with UNICEF,” he added.

According to Mr. Martin, Ireland's assistance in 2024 will also focus on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, supporting maternal health services and rebuilding housing for people who were forced to flee the conflict and are now living in collective centers.

“This latest funding announcement will bring Ireland's total funding to Ukraine from February 2022 to over €380 million, including approximately €130 million in stabilization and humanitarian support. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering. Ireland will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said.

The partners to be supported include the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, which operates in all regions of Ukraine, including providing significant funding to national Ukrainian organizations, and the UNHCR, which provides shelter and protection to millions of displaced people.

Financial commitments to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) will support work on health infrastructure and support for vulnerable women. Ireland will also support the Red Cross family.

Ireland will contribute to the World Bank's special crisis fund program for Ukraine and Moldova, which addresses immediate needs, as well as to the IMF's Ukraine Capacity Building Fund, which supports Ukraine's policies and reform agenda, including EU accession.

The partnership with Lithuania will include the construction of bomb shelters in Ukrainian schools.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 04/09/2024