EU to provide €1.5 million to support sexual and gender-based violence survivors in Ukraine
On May 13, 2022, the European Commission announced €1.5 million support for a dedicated project by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that provides sexual and reproductive health services to women and girls in Ukraine.
Funding will target essential supplies and equipment, including emergency kits for pregnant women. In addition, two mobile healthcare units for emergency obstetric and newborn care will be established.
The funding is part of the EU’s overall €243 million in humanitarian aid in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine which comes on top of in-kind assistance to the country via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
“History has shown … that women bear the brunt of wars and conflicts, and the war in Ukraine is no different. With conflict-related sexual violence on the rise, we must recognize the impact this ruthless war has on the most vulnerable populations,” Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said. “Also, I want to remind Russia that using rape as a weapon of war is a violation of international humanitarian law in its gravest form, and will not go unpunished.”
