Project context
They are fiercely fighting so far since the Russian Federation launched an invasion of Ukraine on February 24th in 2022. The invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and destruction of towns. It is expected that the conflict will continue since negotiations for ceasefire are currently going through difficulties.
Whatever the reason and the result, war is not tolerated. If battle lasts, it will be resulted in more devastating towns, stagnated economy activities and rising death toll.
NICCO has been gathering information throughout concerned bodies and Overseas Diplomatic Establishments since the invasion. We dispatched our investigation team to Romania. It became clear the situation of refugees from field surveys and additional surveys.
The situation of Refugees
As of August 24th, the number of refugees from Ukraine is 6.6 million people and 17.7 million of them need help. In particular, there are 270 thousand people who need support in Odesa oblast which is located in the south of Ukraine; however, only a tenth of the 270 thousand people are supported.
Additionally, according to the detailed investigation of Izmail city in Odesa, which is the border town of Romania, the number of registered Ukraine refugees is 35 thousand. In reality, the figures are said to be more, 50 thousand people, but just not registered.
The terror of approaching combat
Numerous refugees in Izmail city suppose that the Russian Federation will not invade near the border with one of the NATO member countries, Romania. They assume that they will be able to escape over the river to Romania, if the time should come. They have been forced to displace under approaching terror, having experienced traumatic events such as family separation, witnessing atrocities, loss of loved ones, and other life-threatening evens.. Also, according to the United Nations organizations, 60% of Ukraine refugees lost jobs during evacuation; as a result, an economic uncertainty has further disrupted their lives.
The situation of Izmail city
The original population of Izumail city was 70 thousand people. Since the aggression by the Russian Federation started , the city accepted about 50 thousand of refugees. As a result, city administration has been overwhelmed.
Local support group borrowed public premises, and has been delivering emergency relief goods, while working together with the Izumail administration immediately after the start of the aggression by the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, the amount of relief supplies is insufficient due to the increasing number of internally displaced people. Moreover, it is extremely hard to secure medical supplies in the municipal hospital since the number of patients have been increasing because of the rapid population growth.
Support contents
NICCO, based in Romania, has been providing food and daily necessities for displaced people who live in Izmail. In addition, we also have provided medical supplies and medical beds for Izmail Municipal Hospital in cooperation with local aid organizations and local government agencies.
Distributed food
Flour, canned beans, canned fish, canned meat, bread, pretzels, biscuits, tea, cooking oil, sugar, salt, etc.
Distributed daily necessities
Blankets, towels, detergents, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, diaper, bags
Support for hospital
The number of patients at Izmail Municipal Hospital has surged by 1.8 times since the invasion, and the number of inpatients has also increased to 1.3 times the capacity.
However, the city of Izmail itself is under financial pressure from accepting internally displaced people, and has not been able to secure sufficient funds to operate the municipal hospital. The lack of medical supplies and the availability of hospital beds have been serious issues.
NICCO works with Izmail Municipal Hospital by receiving a list of necessary medical supplies from the hospital, procuring them in Romania, and then transporting them to the hospital.
The voices
Luriana (pseudonym) (a refugee who received daily necessities)
I fled to Izmail City with my kid from Odesa City to avoid the war. Russia attacked the energy infrastructure continuously in Ukraine and that caused the electricity shortage and blackouts for a couple of hours every single day. We couldn’t use a heater during blackouts, so it was so cold. It was really helpful for us that NICCO provided us with blankets.
Yurka Elena（a doctor who received medical supplies）
We have many displaced people who came to our hospital with unbearable suffering and sorrow. Many of those who took refuge in the underground have respiratory diseases. In addition, there are lots of people with disordered digestive organs because of the stress of the war.
However, we can’t provide sufficient medical treatment because the military use most of the medical funds and supplies under martial law. Doctors and medical workers are struggling with this situation. The medical system for citizens has collapsed, and there is a situation where not only medical equipment, but also medicines are non-available at municipal hospitals.
Elena Sabasuturu, a representative of City Help and Interaction Center, (In the middle of the picture)
I am Elena Sabasuturu, a representative of a citizen group called City Help and Interaction Center in Izmail city. I have been helping refugees in Izmail city with NICCO.
In February, the war begun from Russia’s invasion; as a result, many refugees fled to Izmail city. In March, I decided to create a civic volunteer organization to support the refugees. In May, I got a registration of NGO and tried my best with a great number of considerate volunteers. However, the amount of emergency relief goods was gradually decreased. When I was having the trouble, NICCO found us. Thanks to NICCO, I was able to deliver the emergency relief goods to as many refugees as possible by cooperating with NICCO. The refugees are also really grateful for it.
To Japanese people, thank you for not forgetting us. Please do not forget us until this war come to an end. We really appreciate for aids from Japan.
