During the war, humanitarian support became a critically important part of the survival of millions of Ukrainians. In this material, the official data of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), as well as information from the reports of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partner humanitarian missions are used. It is precisely these organizations that publish verified criteria of selection, directions of aid, and the structure of support programs.

One of the most well-known international organizations that stably works in Ukraine is the ICRC and the URCS. Their programs cover emergency aid, cash payments, the support of medical institutions, the families of the missing, and those who suffered from combat operations.

BlueBird Tech, a Ukrainian producer of military technologies, prepared this material for the military, veterans, their families, volunteers, and all Ukrainians who want to understand who has access to aid from the Red Cross and how to apply for support programs.

What Is Included in the Aid Program From the Red Cross in Ukraine?

Aid from the Red Cross is a complex of humanitarian measures aimed at the support of people who suffered from the war. The organization has worked in Ukraine for decades, however, after the beginning of the full-scale invasion, its activity significantly expanded.

The program includes:

  • cash assistance to the affected and displaced;
  • food, hygiene, and medical kits;
  • support of hospitals and mobile medical brigades;
  • provision of first-aid means, tourniquets, and first-aid kits;
  • aid to the families of the missing;
  • evacuation missions and aid during displacement;
  • restoration of housing and infrastructure.

Which Goals and Directions of Aid From the Red Cross Exist in Ukraine?

Humanitarian aid in Ukraine covers various goals and directions aimed at the support of the civilian population, IDPs, and the most vulnerable groups. The main directions of the work of organizations such as the Red Cross include:

1. Protection of the life and health of people

  • ensuring access to treatment;
  • support of medical institutions with equipment;
  • professional mobile medical brigades.

2. Immediate humanitarian support

  • issuance of food, warm items, hygiene kits;
  • provision of clothing, blankets, first-aid kits.

3. Psychological and social support

  • aid to the families of captives and the missing;
  • consultation centers for those who suffered from the war.

4. Cash assistance

Payments for:

  • IDPs;
  • people who lost housing;
  • families with children;
  • single elderly people;
  • persons from vulnerable categories.

5. Support of communities that suffered from combat operations

  • delivery of water;
  • installation of shelters;
  • aid in the restoration of houses and schools.

Who Can Receive Aid From the Red Cross in Ukraine?

The programs of the Red Cross are aimed at the support of those who suffered from the war or found themselves in critical conditions. The aid is provided to people who need immediate protection, resources, and social support in order to ensure basic needs and reduce the consequences of the conflict.

Among the priority categories:

  1. Internally displaced persons

People who were forced to leave their home because of combat operations.

  1. Residents of front-line, occupied, and de-occupied territories

Above all, those who need food, water, medications.

  1. Families with children

Especially large, guardianship, and families with small children.

  1. People with a disability or serious illnesses
  2. Single elderly people

Such a direction is especially important, since it is precisely older people who often remain without support.

  1. People who lost housing

The ICRC helps with repair, temporary housing, or materials.

  1. Families of the missing and captives

The aid includes legal support and psychological support.

Additionally, we recommend becoming acquainted with the article about social guarantees and the legal protection of servicemen. This will help to form a full picture of what aid the military and their families can receive — both from the state and from international organizations.

What Is Necessary to Receive Humanitarian Aid From the Red Cross?

The receipt of humanitarian aid depends on the region and the concrete program, however, it usually provides for several main stages:

1. Registration

Through:

  • local Red Cross points,
  • mobile brigades,
  • social services,
  • official partner funds.

2. Confirmation of identity

Passport, TIN, or another document.

3. Confirmation of status

Depending on the program, the following may be required:

  • IDP certificate;
  • document about disability;
  • certificate of destroyed or damaged housing;
  • children’s birth certificate;
  • social conclusions about difficult life circumstances.

4. Verification of data

The application is checked so that the aid is received by those who need it most.

5. Receipt of aid

The format depends on the program:

  • cash payments,
  • food/medical kits,
  • rent/repair of housing,
  • consultation services.

The Role of Aid From the Red Cross and the Technological Support of Ukraine

Aid from the Red Cross is one of the most important humanitarian programs that supports Ukrainians during the period of war. The organization works throughout the entire territory of the country, providing medical, psychological, social, and financial aid to people who found themselves in difficult life circumstances.