Ukraine in Spain

Distressing images of war-torn Ukraine, and the plight of innocent Ukrainians, are becoming all too familiar. Poor, desperate people are caught up in the terrible struggle, with millions forced to flee their homes and their country.

Spain is home to 112,000 Ukrainian residents and is preparing to welcome at least 12,000 refugees. Reception centres have been set up in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante – these will also act as logistics centres for humanitarian aid.

The Spanish government have launched a streamlined, simple system that will help displaced Ukrainian refugees find the help and support they so desperately need. As Spain opens her arms to Ukrainian refugees, many of us are asking ourselves what we, as individuals, can do to help.

We hope the following suggestions and links will provide some answers and encourage us all to open our hearts, our wallets, and maybe even our doors to desperate Ukrainian refugees.

What can I do to help?

• Check with your local town hall/regional government for details of local support being offered. You can find a list of the Spanish Autonomous Communities here
• Essential items – clothes, medicines, food – are being collected at various points throughout Spain – read more from El Pais here
• Write to your MP to demand stronger sanctions against Russia and visa-free access to the UK for desperate Ukrainian refugees. You can find your MP here
• Share articles and appeals for help on social media – we have listed a few relevant articles you may have missed below
• Donate to a charity – there are many well-respected and experienced organisations to choose from – you will find an alphabetical list, with links, below

Charities and organisations providing help & support

Aldeas Infantiles SOS – Emergency in Ukraine

CARE – Ukraine Emergency – how you can help

Cruz Roja (Spanish Red Cross)

Disasters Emergency Committee (UK) – Ukraine Appeal

EU stands with Ukraine – EU Solidarity with Ukraine

Immigration Lawyers Spain – Regularization for Ukrainian citizens in Spain

Infancia de NAD – Temporary shelter programme for minors in Spain

International Medical Corps – War in Ukraine – Helping civilians inside the country

MOAS – Bringing emergency aid and assistance to conflict-affected Ukrainians

Project Hope – Crisis in Ukraine

Red Cross (British) – Part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – Ukraine Appeal

Refugee Support – Helping to create a world where all refugees can live with dignity

Save the Children – Help children suffering the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine

Sunflower of Peace – Help the people of Ukraine

United Help Ukraine – Helping people, saving lives

Unicef – Para cada infancia

United Nations Foundation – the UN’s humanitarian response in Ukraine

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – Support women & girls impacted by the war in Ukraine

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) – Help Spain – Information on the situation in Ukraine and the departure of Ukrainian nationals

Voices of Children – Help children of war in Ukraine

Visit Ukraine Today -Everything Ukrainians coming to Spain need to know

World Central Kitchen – One million meals served to Ukrainian families

World Food Programme (WFP) – Saving lives, changing lives – Ukraine Appeal