Two years of assistance on report: HIA’s response in Ukraine & Hungary
Committed towards helping the war-affected people of Ukraine, HIA is implementing the largest aid programme of its history. In our 2-year report below, we aim to present the achievments of the response, while explaining each of HIA’s modalities of assistance, accompanying them with the voices of our beneficiaries. As an introduction, please read László Lehel, HIA President-Director’s foreword. You can read the publication online down below on a flipbook by clicking the middle of the image, or download the whole report from the bottom of the page.
Two years ago, on February 24th we had an emergency meeting. I remember, everyone was still in shock, in disbelief over what has happened. We knew we had to act, phonelines were red hot and everyone got to work. By the end of the first two weeks we knew, this would be the biggest humanitarian response of Hungarian Interchurch Aid in its history: after all, we had the moral duty to alleviate the suffering of millions, our neighbours in distress.
Two years ago, our path was shrouded in uncertainty – today our strategy is clear. Embracing a multisectoral approach, we have created a complex portfolio of assistance while at the same time extending the geographical reach of Hungarian Interchurch Aid to 22 regions of Ukraine. From Kramatorsk to Berehove, from Bucha to Kherson, we’ve been where needs were greatest. In Hungary, our Support Centre lends a helping hand to those who had to flee Ukraine.
Of course, we wouldn’t be where we are now if it was not for the strength, sacrifice and goodwill of those who form the pillars of our response. Made possible by the extraordinary collaboration of our implementing partners, international donors, volunteers, corporate partners, the Churches and the Government of Hungary, today Hungarian Interchurch Aid plays a vital role in the international humanitarian response to Ukraine.
Some may think of the two-year-anniversary as a milestone, but having assisted more than 500 thousand Ukrainians in one way or another, we know that the millions of uprooted and war-affected people will need support for years to come. As fatigue grows in the humanitarian world, it is imperative that we continue with our efforts in this prolonged crisis. Our promise is that Hungarian Interchurch Aid will be there for those in need both in Ukraine as in Hungary like it has been for the past 2 years.
On 24 February 2024, the war entered its third year with still no end in sight to the bloodshed and unnecessary suffering of millions. HIA’s 26 years in Ukraine underline our commitment to Ukrainians and show that we are here to stay through thick and thin. In this report, we would like to present the two years of our assistance in this crisis caused by the war, accompanied by the voices of our beneficiaries. We would also like to sincerely thank you for the continued trust and support you have shown for the work of Hungarian Interchurch Aid and kindly encourage you to follow our activities on our online and offline platforms.
