Highlights
- World Vision is warning of significant threats to child wellbeing as the Ukraine crisis intensifies
- The aid agency is preparing humanitarian contingency plans to support the crisis
- World Vision calls for a focus on protecting the most vulnerable – children
SEATTLE (February 24, 2022) — The international child-focused aid organization, World Vision, is warning of the significant risks that the intensification of the crisis in Ukraine poses to children. If the situation deteriorates further, and humanitarian needs increase significantly, World Vision will seek to support populations on the move and is currently preparing plans to work with partners on the ground.
Edgar Sandoval, World Vision U.S. President and CEO, said:
“Globally, 426 million children – nearly 1 in 5 – live in conflict zones. The world’s children cannot bear another war that threatens their well-being, education, and hope in their future. Children are at the center of our prayers for Ukraine as we hope and pray for a swift, peaceful resolution that prevents a major humanitarian crisis.”
Eleanor Monbiot OBE, World Vision’s Regional Leader for Middle East and Eastern Europe, says:
“As the Ukraine crisis deepens, World Vision is concerned about the risk posed to the most vulnerable – children. To this end, we are preparing contingency plans in case a higher level of humanitarian response becomes necessary.
We are finalizing emergency plans that will be activated should the situation deteriorate further. We assisted 3.2 million people across our Middle East and Eastern Europe region last year with emergency response programs and we can call on this capacity to respond to the Ukraine crisis if required.
We are supporting our office in Romania to be ready to respond, should children and their families be forcibly displaced from Ukraine and need emergency assistance.
The consequences for children affected by this conflict escalation are gravely concerning. I want to reiterate once again, in the strongest possible terms, that focus needs to be directed towards protecting those most vulnerable to the escalation of this crisis.”
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.