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Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq has visited Romania to see how Guernsey's donations to Ukraine have been utilised.
He is the island's external relations lead for Policy and Resources and often represents the island on various trips to different jurisdictions.
He visited UNHCR Romania, a UN Refugee Agency to see how P&R's commitment of cash to support has been used. The Agency operates in various places to support people fleeing war.
In March 2022 the island dedicated £500,000 to support the people of Ukraine, which was subsequently split between the British Red Cross and UK for UNHCR.
"Whilst the world’s attention continues to be diverted, Ukrainians continue to suffer under the relentless onslaught of Putin’s war," said Deputy Le Tocq.
"The logistics involved in responding to a crisis such as that affecting Ukrainians displaced in Romania are complex and costly. Agencies need to work together smoothly and efficiently, minimising friction; the storage and transportation of emergency aid alone is huge. The need for humanitarian assistance is still as needful as ever, if not more so, and I am proud of the support that Guernsey has provided to Ukrainian refugees through agencies, such as UNHCR.
"During my visit, I was particularly moved to hear the stories of young women and mothers who are helping themselves and their compatriots through their innovation, industry, advocacy, and dynamism to enable their children to access education and employment opportunities.
"My life has been both enhanced and challenged thanks to witnessing the work undertaken in such a short time and under extreme conditions, by refugees, mainly women and children, who show remarkable resilience and diligence despite being confronted by immense trials.”
The Chief Executive of UK for UNHCR, Emma Cherniavsky, said:
“We’re grateful to the States of Guernsey for their generous support of UNHCR's response to the Ukraine emergency across the region, ensuring that those affected by the war aren't forgotten. As we approach the two-year mark since the onset of the war in Ukraine, our dedicated UNHCR teams and partner organisations are still on the ground in Bucharest and beyond, delivering essential aid and protection services to refugee families."
Pictured top: Deputy Le Tocq and Dr Raed Arafat, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Head of Department for Emergency Situations.
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