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DRC marks 10 years of humanitarian work in Ukraine

For a decade, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been supporting people in Ukraine, providing vital assistance to communities affected by war and displacement.

Posted on 10 Dec 2024

Kyiv, 10 December 2024 – Today, the Danish Refugee Council marks 10 years of continuous humanitarian operations in Ukraine. Over these 10 years, DRC has provided vital support, assisting millions of people and addressing their most urgent needs.

10 Years of Helping Communities in Need

DRC resumed its work in Ukraine in 2014 to respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Donbas and the annexation of Crimea. Since then, the organisation has grown significantly, providing support across Ukraine in areas such as protection, economic recovery, shelter and mine action.

Currently, DRC operates in key regions, including Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson, with a team of 900 staff members dedicated to helping vulnerable communities.

A Decade of Impact

DRC’s work in Ukraine started in 1998, focusing on resettling Crimean Tatars. In 2014, the organisation quickly responded to the growing humanitarian needs, opening offices in Donetsk, Mariupol, Sieverodonetsk, Kyiv, Dnipro, and Berdyansk. Over the years, DRC has continued to adapt to the evolving needs of communities, including:

Clearing Explosives: Making land safe and educating people about the dangers of unexploded ordnance.
Emergency Assistance: Helping families with cash, shelter, and food.
Strengthening Local Efforts: Supporting local organisations and authorities to better assist their communities.

This journey has been challenging, but our achievements over the past 10 years show the strength of our teams and their commitment to making a difference. Whether we’re clearing land of unexploded ordnances, providing cash assistance, or offering psychosocial support, our goal remains the same: to uphold people’s dignity and allow them to rebuild their lives.

/ Julian Zakrzewski, DRC Ukraine Country Director

Looking Ahead

As DRC reflects on 10 years of service, the organisation remains committed to continuing its work and adapting to the ongoing challenges.

“This anniversary is a moment to honour the resilience of the people we serve and to recognize the dedication of our staff who work tirelessly to provide support where it’s needed most,” added Julian Zakrzewski.

Looking forward, DRC is focused on continuing its efforts to help displaced and conflict-affected communities recover and rebuild.