ZOA's programme focuses on displaced persons in Transcarpathia. This region is relatively safe, this has led to an influx of extremely large numbers of internally displaced persons, estimated to be half a million. As violence and shelling continues in several major cities, the number of displaced persons is expected to increase in the coming months.
Focus on vulnerable groups
ZOA aims to assist the most vulnerable IDP's. Single mothers with children are given priority, as are the elderly and families with more than three children. An on-site investigation by ZOA's Disaster Response Team has shown that it is precisely these vulnerable people who need cash transfers. Emergency aid specialist Hielke Zantema: “Many people who had a financial buffer have fled the country. The people we are now helping in Ukraine barely have the means to travel. We can help these people quickly and effectively via cash transfers.”
Flexible emergency assistance
Through an online cash transfer system, displaced persons receive monthly credits that they can withdraw both in Ukraine and in neighboring countries. This enables people to provide for their most necessary needs themselves, when they need it. Cash transfers are therefore complementary to the distributions that are currently taking place on a large scale.
ZOA is collaborating with the Christian Emergency Relief Cluster in this emergency relief campaign. ZOA's efforts are particularly complementary to the activities of aid organisation Dorcas, that also works in Transcarpathia. The organisations coordinate the implementation of their programmes.
Credit header: Jana Čavojská.
