Humanitarian aid for Ukraine

The needs in Russian-besieged Ukraine are unusually high. That's why, right at the start of the conflict, our country decided to provide humanitarian aid.

Red Cross

Three million euros will be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This humanitarian organisation has been active in Ukraine since 2014. Its priorities are to assist people in need by providing them with protection and assistance, and to promote international humanitarian law.

With the funds, the ICRC will be bringing more experts to Ukraine, including medical staff. Weapons specialists will help local communities remove unexploded explosives.

The ICRC will also deliver medical equipment and medicines to Mariupol and Kyiv, among others. Water and food are also provided. In neighbouring countries, the ICRC teams will help receive refugees.

The ICRC will actively mediate between the warring parties, particularly on the protection of civilians, compliance with humanitarian law and the cessation of hostilities.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Two million euros will go to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), specifically the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund (UHF), a fund specifically dedicated to Ukraine. The money raised is intended for international humanitarian organisations, as well as international and local NGOs.

The advantage of the UHF is that the funds raised are deployed locally for those closest to those in need. So they can be efficiently utilised to address the concrete needs of the local population.

Flexible funds

Our country also supports various 'flexible funds' from organisations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Agriculture and Food Organisation (FAO), OCHA and the International Federation of the Red Cross. Those funds also earmarked specific amounts to assist Ukraine.

Belgium has also sent a lot of humanitarian aid through B-FAST (Belgian First Aid and Support Team). This is Belgium's rapid intervention mechanism that provides urgent emergency assistance.

B-FAST sent an aid convoy to Ukraine with generators, tents, blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, camp beds, feminine hygiene products, milk powder and nappies. Neighbouring countries also received help. For example, Moldova received tents, generators and hygiene kits, while Slovakia was given beds, mattresses and blankets. Meanwhile, the value of the B-FAST relief goods totals around 1.1 million euros.

Under B-FAST, the FPS Public Health sent medical devices worth over 3 million euros to Ukraine, Slovakia and Poland.

The FPS Foreign Affairs coordinates B-FAST. In addition, the Prime Minister's Office is also involved, along with the FPSs Public Health, Defence and Interior.  The FPS Policy and Support is responsible for logistical and administrative support.