In reaction to Russia’s attack on a community center operated by Oxfam partner Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv today, Nicola Bay, Oxfam’s Organizational Lead for Ukraine, said:
“We are appalled by this attack. Community hubs run by this partner have supported over 60,000 people in Kharkiv region – including women, children and elderly people– with food, water and safe heated spaces.
“Attacking civilian infrastructure, including those of civil society organizations that provide lifesaving assistance to people, is against international humanitarian law.
“Our teams and partners continue to work under extremely difficult conditions. Constant bombardments on our operations mean cutting the lifeline of aid for thousands of people.
“Oxfam urges all warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, including ensuring the protection of civilians and aid workers."
/ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Oxfam is responding to this humanitarian crisis by primarily working with local civil society organizations who are already supporting communities impacted by the war. In both Ukraine and in neighboring countries, Oxfam has supported 40 organizations and reached over 2 million people since the war escalated in February 2022.
- As of February 2024, Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv, in partnership with Oxfam, has reached over 61,000 individuals through their community hubs, based in multiple locations in the Kharkiv region; 71% were women and girls.
- The community hub that was attacked was in city of Zolochiv, in the Kharkiv region.
- Since February 2022, Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv have prepared 2.6 million hot meals and distributed 170,000 food sets for adults and 10,220 food sets for children