In a joint statement issued today, ICC and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) commended the courage of staff of UNHCR, ICC Ukraine and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce caught up in the conflict.
The statement highlights that the crisis has added to the already 82 million displaced people worldwide need of assistance and calls on business to donate to UNHCR, including through corporate donations and employee giving schemes, and to keep finance and supply lines open to Ukraine and neighbouring states as much as possible.
Joint Statement – UNHCR and ICC – Ukraine situation
As the number of refugees from Ukraine increases by the day, we are horrified and shocked by the senseless violence forcing millions to flee their homes. Rarely has there been such a large exodus of people in such a short time. At this rate, we are looking at what could become the largest refugee crisis so far this century in Europe.
As organisations founded in the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars, we are all too conscious that there are no winners in war. The violence and the suffering must stop. We accordingly reiterate the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate end to hostilities, negotiations for peace, full compliance with international law, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and access to humanitarian assistance for all people in need, regardless of who or where they are.
We have seen an outpouring of support and solidarity for refugees from Ukraine. In addition to host governments, local authorities, and communities, businesses big and small are providing support. These acts of generosity are a clear demonstration of the private sector’s capacity to work for the common good and help deliver on ICC’s purpose to promote peace, prosperity and opportunity for all.
UNHCR is mobilising resources to respond as quickly and effectively as possible, in support of national authorities. ICC, for its part, is mobilising the global business community in support of these critical efforts, in response to UNHCR’s US $510 million dollar Supplementary Appeal. Together, we call upon the global business community to donate to UNHCR’s efforts, including through corporate donations and employee giving schemes, and to keep finance and supply lines open to Ukraine and neighbouring states as much as possible.
We would also like to commend our courageous colleagues on the ground in Ukraine – UNHCR, ICC Ukraine and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce staff – who are now caught up in this deadly conflict and are often working in extremely dangerous circumstances.
Finally, we recall that the crisis of refugees from Ukraine is but one of many refugee crises around the world today. Before the current crisis, over 82 million people were displaced and in need of support. We trust that the crisis in Ukraine will serve as a reminder that we all – including businesses – can play a role in mitigating the inevitable human suffering induced by war.
About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water; help safeguard fundamental human rights; and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. Learn more at www.unhcr.org