Support to Principled Humanitarian Actions in Ukraine


Humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain persistent and compounded, especially in area where access is compromised due to security constraints or Russian military occupation. Switzerland is willing to support initiatives that advance practices, policies and understanding of humanitarian needs and dynamics, including improving the safety of humanitarian workers and the protection of vulnerable groups. In a highly politicized environment, a sound and principled humanitarian response needs to be upheld, coherently with Swiss humanitarian traditions.

RegionCountry Topic Period Budget
Ukraine
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Migration
nothemedefined
Humanitarian efficiency
Protection, access & security
Forced displacement (refugees, IDP, human trafficking)
01.10.2023 - 31.12.2025
CHF  2’000’000
Background

The humanitarian community is confronted with challenges related to managing a humanitarian crisis in a large country where the affected population is, in some areas, very difficult to access and, in others, very difficult to target given the limited availability of granular data of the displacement. In parallel, the response needs to evaluate the nature of humanitarian needs and durable solutions that should be shaping the way to recovery and support the Government of Ukraine in filling gaps in both the lifesaving and recovery phases of the response, depending on the area of the country. Conditions differ substantially for people in need and depend on multiple factors, including, location, resources, the support they have access to, age, gender, health conditions, language, and capacity. The humanitarian response is challenging, especially because access to the areas closest to the frontlines, where needs are assumed to be the highest, is extremely constrained.

According to the fundamental humanitarian principles, humanitarian aid should be provided on the basis of assessed needs, neutrally and impartially. There is a need for impartial, unbiased, comprehensive, contextsensitive assessments and analysis to support decision making and advocacy. Further, Switzerland has a duty of care towards humanitarian and development personnel and their safety. 

Target To strenghten and improve principled humanitarian response in Ukraine through enhanced quality of information, coordination and advocacy.
Target group
  • The humanitarian community in Ukraine (mainly national and international NGOs), as well as members of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), local authorities and the donors community.
  • People with humanitarian needs, including those in hard-to-reach or currently unaccessible areas and/or specific vulnerable groups currently little assisted. 
Outcomes
  1. SDC and the wider humanitarian community in Ukraine benefits from better use of knowledge and data gathered from affected people, as well as informed decision making, evidence-based advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy.
  2. Increased knowledge and support for principled humanitarian actions by Government and non-governement actors.
  3. The protection of relief personnel is improved by promoting effective safety and security information and coordination system.
  4. Persons with specific needs benefit from better targeted actions as a result of better-informed humanitarian response and strengthened advocacy. 
Results

Expected Results:  

  1. A number of reports and analyses are developed and disseminated to the humanitarian community in Ukraine
  2. Resources are available to national and international NGO and workers (security reports & analyisis available; trainings; advisory; etc.)
  3. Availability, improved representation and granularity of information related to specific needs of vulnerable groups (hard to reach areas, occupied territories, GBV survivors, persons with disabilities, etc.)


Agency SDC
Project Partners Contract Partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Humanitarian aid think tanks, NGOs, international organizations and research centers (e.g. INSO, ACAPS, NGO networks, UN agencies specific initiatives)


Projects Coordination This action is coherent with humanitarian projects funded by the SHA. It generally supports the whole humanitarian community, including SDC leadership and capacity to shape its portfolio and use of data for humanitarian diplomacy.
Budget Current Phase Swiss Budget CHF    2’000’000 Swiss Disbursement Till Know CHF    932’000 Total Project Since First Phase Swiss Budget CHF   0 Budget Inclusive Project Partner CHF   2’000’000
Project Phases Phase 1 01.10.2023 - 31.12.2025   (Current Phase)