With the government of Japan and local partners, UNOPS is supporting people in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Region, who are especially vulnerable to the ongoing conflict amid a cold winter.
The escalation of conflict in Ukraine has brought massive devastation in urban centers. The widescale loss of vital infrastructure, including residential buildings and energy networks, has severely disrupted critical public services and left millions of people in crisis – a situation made even direr by the freezing winter temperatures.
“At this critical time for the country, we are working closely with the government of Ukraine, both on national and local levels, to help accelerate winterization, and prepare for early recovery and reconstruction,” said Jens Wandel, UNOPS Acting Executive Director.
”We focus on urgent humanitarian assistance and strengthening the civilian resilience of the Ukrainian people. We will continue to support in the form of generators and other emergency supplies for winterization”, said H.E. Mr. Matsuda Kuninori – Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the Kharkiv region has seen the second-highest levels of destruction to civilian infrastructure, accounting for approximately 23 per cent of the total damage in Ukraine.
With over $10 million in funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS will help to address critical winterization and housing needs, focusing on the hard-hit Kharkiv region. The provision of 50 high-capacity generators will contribute to a more stable supply of electricity – providing warm and dry spaces for communities. UNOPS will also repair homes of the conflict-affected population that has suffered various degrees of damage.
”UNOPS is committed to supporting the Ukrainian people through early recovery and reconstruction efforts, with an eye on long-term reconstruction. Our work with the government of Japan to help address critical energy and housing needs in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Region during these cold winter months is a crucial step in the right direction”, said Tim Lardner – UNOPS Country Director in Ukraine.
The current effort strengthens UNOPS and the government of Japan’s partnership as well as their mutual commitment to support the people of Ukraine during the conflict. With prior funding from Japan, UNOPS procured health equipment worth $4.5 million, helping hospitals deliver key services. In May 2022, UNOPS also delivered more than 100 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, donated by the government and people of Japan to vulnerable people in Ukraine.
See also: 🔴 LIVE UPDATES | Humanitarian response to Ukraine crisis