Ms Jane-Ann McKenna:

I thank the Chairman. I am joined here today by Mr. Liam O’Dwyer, Irish Red Cross; Mr. Dominic McSorley, CEO, Concern Worldwide; and Ms Caoimhe de Barra, CEO, Trócaire. Both Mr. Ros O'Sullivan and Mr. Matthew Morris are on the line. They will speak to the situation at the moment in the Ukraine from the perspective of both Concern and the Red Cross.

I thank the Chairman, Deputies and Senators for the invitation to meet again so soon. Little did we realise just six weeks ago the devastation and horror that millions of Ukrainians would face today. Almost a month since the start of the conflict more than 3.5 million people have fled the country, the majority of whom are women and children. Millions more have fled their homes and are displaced in Ukraine, and as fighting continues they will likely be displaced multiple times. That figure will only serve to increase in the coming weeks and months.

Irish people have responded to this horrific conflict with immense generosity, solidarity and kindness. Dóchas members, including those here today, have seen this support in action with donations and offers of accommodation to those in need from thousands of supporters around the country.

Before I hand over to our speakers who have joined us virtually, I would like to share a snapshot of some of the key issues that face us in terms of the crisis in Ukraine. As the situation evolves the humanitarian needs become more and more critical, and reaching those in need is becoming more difficult. We have seen this play out in Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan where some ordinary people, civilians, are trapped in besieged cities and towns, living in constant fear of indiscriminate attacks. Food, water, fuel, hygiene items and medical supplies are desperately needed.

Dóchas demands that all parties to the conflict fulfil their legal obligations and uphold international humanitarian law. Civilians must be spared from military operations. Concrete agreements to allow safe passage for people fleeing the fighting need to be implemented and well communicated. All parties are obligated, under international humanitarian law, to ensure safe unimpeded access to all areas to deliver aid and reach vulnerable citizens who are trapped without services. Civilians, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure should never be a target.

More than 6.5 million people are displaced within Ukraine. Until recently people have passed through collection centres located in central and western Ukraine and received support before heading towards border areas. However, more recently, we have seen that situation change somewhat. Cross-border movements are slowing with numbers down to 45,000 per day, from originally 100,000 per day. Centres inside Ukraine are becoming more permanent in nature requiring support and assistance. Very often it is the most vulnerable who do not have the means to move. They are fully dependent on available support and are staying behind. This includes those who are elderly or people living with disabilities. Supporting local organisations and civil society movements inside Ukraine is essential. They are often the first and closest responders.

Many of the people who fled the country in recent weeks had the resources or connections to do so. As the conflict evolves, those who flee the country to neighbouring countries will have fewer resources and very different, and enhanced, humanitarian needs. Major resources will need to be mobilised to assist EU member countries that take in those who seek safety.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the impact of this crisis goes far beyond Ukraine and will have an impact on those who are already dependent on humanitarian assistance, and those who struggle in extreme poverty and hunger across the world. The conflict will have consequences on food security and food import dependent countries, particularly in Africa. As many as 23 African countries are dependent on Russia and the Ukraine for more than half the imports of one of their staple goods. The World Food Programme gets half of the wheat it supplies and distributes in humanitarian crises from Ukraine. The programme will need to find other suppliers and the costs of responding to other crises such as Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen will increase. Everything must be done to avert a catastrophic hunger crisis and the collapse of a global food system.

I will now hand over to Mr. Matthew Morris of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and then to Mr. Ros O’Sullivan, who is leading Concern’s humanitarian response in Ukraine. First, we ask that the members of this committee support these following vital asks. A peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine must be the top priority. All sides to the conflict must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law both for those who choose to leave and those who choose remain. Safe passage for those willing and able to escape should be urgently assured across war affected areas inside Ukraine.

This should not be dependent on the existence of humanitarian corridors or ceasefires that may temporarily be in place. It is vital that such opportunities for civilians to leave from areas of violent warfare are not once-off or time-limited.

Ireland should use its seat on the UN Security Council to work with its international partners to ensure any and all violations of international humanitarian law are investigated and immediately condemned, and the dignity and rights of civilians are protected. Ireland must step up and meet its pledge to fully fund all current humanitarian appeals and avert a catastrophic hunger crisis. I will now hand over to Mr. Morris, who is joining us from the International Committee of the Red Cross.