Polish Red Cross as a leader in comprehensive assistance to Ukraine and refugees

The Polish Red Cross sprang into action to help Ukraine from the first hours of the armed conflict that began on February 24, 2022. Polish Red Cross rescuers appeared at the Polish-Ukrainian border immediately, co-organizing reception and medical points for refugees from Ukraine. PCK volunteers distributed among those in need crossing the border: food, drinking water, blankets, and warm clothing. Medical aid was provided to over 9,000 people during this time, mainly women, children, and the elderly.

In the first days of the conflict, humanitarian transports under the sign of the Red Cross headed to Ukraine. So far, the Polish Red Cross has carried out a total of 965 transports, delivering food, hygiene products, and medical supplies, as well as the most needed equipment, such as industrial generators (82 generators worth over 5 million PLN), enabling schools and hospitals to operate, among others. Aid weighing a total of 5,800 tons reached many places in Ukraine, including Bucha, a city symbolizing the cruelty towards the civilian population.

The Polish Red Cross is a long-time friend and a trustworthy partner of the Ukrainian Red Cross. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Poland and PCK volunteers have become a reliable support for Ukrainians. Poland was the place of first refuge for our mothers and children. It should be emphasized that PCK also supports victims on Ukrainian territory. The aid provided is invaluable; millions of Ukrainians have felt what kindness, care, and humanity are – says Maksym Dotsenko, General Director of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

After February 24, 10 million Ukrainians had to leave their homes in search of safe shelter. As many as 6.3 million left Ukraine and currently live in other parts of Europe and the world – 25% of the total population of this nation. In addition, 3.7 million citizens changed their place of residence within Ukraine. Two years of armed conflict have devastated the local infrastructure and negatively impacted nearly every aspect of daily life. There is often a lack of water, food, and medicine on the ground. Residents of Ukraine are under constant threat of bombings.

In Poland, there are 1 million refugees from Ukraine (according to the number of PESEL numbers). Those in need can constantly count on comprehensive PCK assistance. In the first months of the conflict, it was mainly material, financial, and food aid. Ukrainians in Poland received 9,300 tons of food, clothing, and hygiene products. Nearly 100,000 Ukrainian families in Poland received financial support (in the form of vouchers). Currently, long-term assistance aimed at integrating the Ukrainian community with Polish society has become the most important.

We are helping wisely. We run modern Integration Centers, where classes for adults and children take place. Refugees from Ukraine can safely spend time in these places, attend vocational and language courses, gain qualifications, and enhance their skills. Playrooms, workshops, and activities are prepared for the youngest. Older individuals participate in Polish-Ukrainian senior clubs. There is a constant opportunity for legal and psychological consultations in the centers –says Michał Mikołajczyk, a member of the Management Board of the Polish Red Cross.

By the end of 2023, thousands of Ukrainian refugees have benefited from courses offered free of charge by the Polish Red Cross. Most have found jobs, and some have obtained qualifications for professions such as caregiver or medical registrar. A significant advantage of PCK courses for adults is the provision of childcare during the courses. Activation is carried out under the Livelihoods Centre program, funded by the Spanish Red Cross. The needs related to integration and professional support remain very high.

Psychological assistance is also a priority for the Red Cross: 4/5 of Ukrainian citizens stated that they or their closest ones have experienced stressful or traumatic situations due to the ongoing conflict. Thanks to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, psychological assistance has been provided to 1.2 million Ukrainians so far. In Poland, it is provided both in person and by phone. Currently, 99.2% of the calls to the PCK psychological hotline are from Ukrainians living in Poland. The hotline staff consists of Ukrainian women.

One of the basic tasks of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the search for the missing and family reunification. The National Bureau of Information and Search of PCK has received 8,135 requests since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine – within the framework of the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program. Hundreds of cases are currently being handled in cooperation with National Societies and the headquarters in Geneva. Most searches are confidential for security reasons. Only a portion of ongoing investigations ends with a happy reunion.

For its contributions to helping Ukraine, the Polish Red Cross received the International Humanitarian Service Award in 2023, awarded in Washington by the American Red Cross. A total of 58 National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are involved in actions for Ukraine. Thanks to the funds and selfless work of 130,000 volunteers, it was possible to help 18 million Ukrainians. – Our Polish assistance to Ukraine would not be possible without the support of partners and donors. Thank you! – says Michał Mikołajczyk.

The armed conflict in Ukraine remains one of the biggest challenges in the over one hundred-year history of the Polish Red Cross. The last two years have been a continuous test of PCK's capabilities related to humanitarian assistance, logistics, fundraising, and ensuring accurate information in the media – in an age of disinformation. The Polish Red Cross has engaged a network of 10,000 volunteers across 200 locations to aid Ukraine. Despite the growing phenomena of 'compassion fatigue,' the Polish Red Cross does not relent in its efforts for Ukraine.