Essential Support for People Displaced by the War in Ukraine
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. Norwegian support to UNHCR is critical in ensuring that more people receive the help they need.
As of October 2024, approximately 3.7 million people are displaced within Ukraine, while over 6.7 million have sought protection in neighboring countries or other parts of the world. In total, this amounts to nearly twice the population of Norway – all forced to leave their homes.
In the face of such a massive humanitarian crisis, professional actors on the ground are essential to addressing urgent needs. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is one of the most important organizations in this effort. Having operated in the region even before the conflict escalated, UNHCR reaches the most vulnerable groups. Through emergency relief, protection, and a holistic approach, the organization ensures that displaced people in Ukraine are not left without hope.
Through the Nansen Programme, Norway has contributed over 755 million NOK to UNHCR’s work in Ukraine and Moldova in 2024.
40 minutes to pack up a life
Among those who have received assistance are families like Oleksandr and Valeria from the Donetsk region. When authorities ordered an evacuation, they had just forty minutes to pack. Important documents were left behind. When they arrived at a collective shelter, they had nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
Here, they received legal assistance, psychosocial support, and essential household supplies from UNHCR and its partners. In this way, UNHCR helps alleviate the most immediate consequences of war while also providing practical support for families as they plan their next steps.
Refugee families can register for UNHCR's cash assistance upon arrival in Moldova.
Immediate Relief After Attacks
On 8 July 2024, a missile attack struck a major children's hospital, residential buildings, schools, and power stations in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih. UNHCR responded immediately with emergency aid packages, cash assistance, and legal support.
This meant that affected families not only received essential supplies such as warm clothing and blankets but also had access to legal advice and assistance in an extremely difficult situation.
A Lifeline for Displaced People
UNHCR’s support ensures the rapid delivery of emergency aid to people living in damaged buildings, assistance to war-affected families, and financial support for those who need to buy basic necessities such as food and medicine. Additionally, the funding helps provide psychological and social support to those struggling with trauma in the wake of the war.
Norway’s contribution is more than just financial assistance—it is a lifeline for people forced to flee. By supporting emergency aid, legal assistance, and a wide range of holistic measures, Norwegian funds help UNHCR make everyday life a little easier for displaced individuals.
This is about creating opportunities and restoring dignity to people affected by war.
The results stories on the webpage of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine are based on texts produced and shared by the civilian and humanitarian partners of the programme. The stories represent a snapshot of the results achieved to showcase the difference the Norwegian support is making. Read more stories.