March 1, 2022 – World Vision Australia CEO Daniel Wordsworth is travelling to the Ukraine-Romanian border to support the thousands of women and children streaming into the country to escape the Ukraine crisis.
Mr Wordsworth, an international authority on refugees who has worked for 25 years in the world's toughest places, is due to arrive tomorrow morning (AEDT).
More than 31,000 people have flooded into Romania from the Ukraine and Moldavian borders since Ukraine was invaded last week.
The aid agency is preparing to support people in all three countries, including providing emergency relief packages, psychological support and child friendly kits to refugees who are fleeing for their lives.
Daniel said like all of us, he was worried about the psychological impact on children who were facing separation from their parents and families, as well as being exposed to violence, exploitation and abuse.
He said for the millions who were expected to escape, it was the "end of a way of life for them".
"For these families and children, it is the start of a long, unbearable journey – once you cross that border, it's very hard to return," Daniel said.
"Global bullies are shattering the lives of children who will now face long-term trauma from hearing bombs dropping around them, watching jets fly past their windows, and having their families torn apart.
"No matter where you live, it has been heartbreaking to see footage of little kids with tears streaming down their faces, who don't if they will ever see their fathers again.
"Millions of people are expected to flee Ukraine and World Vision is there, meeting the needs of children and their families. I am flying in to join some of our very brave staff at the border to help in any way I can – and to show Australians how they can help too. Because we can't do this alone."
In Moldova, World Vision is setting up partnerships with local NGOs to coordinate and support refugee hosting efforts. The agency is also planning to help keep children engaged in education and is working to support several partners inside Ukraine.
One humanitarian responder from World Vision Romania said: "On the Ukrainian side of the border to Romania, the queue stretched over 10km. I was on the Romanian side of the border and I saw hundreds of mothers who have been forced to flee their homes alone with their children."
World Vision Australia is encouraging the Australian government to:
1. Commit to a special intake of 20,000 Ukrainian refugees in response to the largest displacement crisis Europe has seen since World War II.
2. Urgently provide life-saving humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine through an emergency funding package. This should include an initial contribution of AUD $10 million (half of which should be focused on children) for Australian NGOs to respond to rising needs in Ukraine and its border regions as part of a regional response to the crisis.
For Australians who want to help, go to World Vision Australia's Ukraine crisis appeal at https://www.worldvision.com.au/global-issues/world-emergencies/ukraine-appeal.
