Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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A feature of the war on Ukraine is that 90% of those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes are women and children, which makes them highly vulnerable.  Among these vulnerabilities is that women's access to health and other social services has been severely impacted, and a tenet of the €20 million Irish Aid response to date has been to ensure that these women are protected.

In addition to mainstreamed support for protection which partners are taking forward, this package includes a specific €1.5 million for UNFPA's essential work in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to protect women and girls from multiple forms of gender-based violence. This enables UNFPA to provide health services directly in Ukraine, including the delivery of 39 metric tons of reproductive health supplies, medicines and equipment to maternity and other hospitals.  Irish funding supports UNFPA provision of safe spaces, shelter and crisis rooms, as well as the roll out of dignity kits to women who have been displaced, including those now in Moldova. Since the start of the conflict, UNFPA has reached more than 1 million people, mostly women, with information about the availability of sexual and reproductive health services, protection and psychological support. In this work, it is coordinating efforts with other UN agencies, international and local partners.

Ireland has also provided €1.5m to the World Health Organisation’s urgent appeal to ensure continuity of health services, including sexual and reproductive health care within Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. Amongst other things WHO is providing emergency obstetric and new-born care; health care for survivors of sexual violence; STI and HIV management; family planning services and other lifesaving interventions.

In addition to this financial aid, Ireland has consistently condemned all reports of sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation and abuse, including at every opportunity at the Security Council. We have also encouraged our humanitarian partners to prioritise protection, gender-responsive and life-saving services for women and girls, including sexual and reproductive health services.