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For one year, we have witnessed the war forced on Ukrainians.
We’ve seen people fleeing, suffering and crying out for help.
As we have been spared from the horrors of war, we are obliged to be there for those uprooted, the families torn apart, the people fearing their lives, and those who have lost everything and can barely support themselves.
As an aid organisation with its headquarters in a neighbouring country of Ukraine, with representative offices registered in Kyiv, Lviv and Berehove, and with more than 25 years of presence in the country now in peril, we hesitated not a moment in coming to aid those in need.
A day after the invasion began, Hungarian Interchurch Aid was already helping the myriads of people fleeing the horrors of war.
Our response was increasing on both sides of the border proportionally to the needs of those desperate times.
Deciding for 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 20 regions of Ukraine. From Kharkiv in the east to Berehove in the west, our colleagues support the internally displaced in their struggle to survive. We’ve been wherever the needs were the greatest, even in the close vicinity of the frontline – like in Kherson.
Besides our work in Ukraine, we are also making significant efforts to assist those, who had to flee their homeland. Through our Support Centre for Ukrainian Refugees located in downtown Budapest, we aim to cover all possible needs refugees can face while living in Hungary.
Our cooperation with the extensive network of groups, congregations and organisations doing humanitarian work in the country enables us to support refugees country-wide.
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. Supported by an extraordinary collaboration of donors, volunteers, corporate partners, the Churches and the Hungarian Government, Hungarian Interchurch Aid plays a vital role in the international humanitarian response to Ukraine.
In a year’s time, we have developed a great deal as an international aid organisation. Exchanging expertise and know-how with our local colleagues, civil societies and our old and long-term partners in Ukraine, we evolve to provide the most proficient and effective response to the rapidly changing needs while still adhering to the highest professional and transparency standards.
On 24 February 2023, the war entered its second year with still no end in sight to the bloodshed and unnecessary suffering of millions. HIA’s 25 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 first year of our efforts in this crisis caused by the war, accompanied by stories from the field. 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.
László Lehel, President-Director of Hungarian Interchurch Aid