Ireland continues to support UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, in its mission to enhance access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and expand gender-based violence (GBV) services, including services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
Ireland’s generous contribution of €3 million to UNFPA’s Ukraine response will ensure the provision of essential healthcare and gender-based violence support for people of Ukraine, especially women and girls. Ireland’s ongoing commitment and flexible contribution to UNFPA will guarantee that vital services reach those most in need, particularly in war-affected hard-to-reach areas across the country.
"With this funding, which brings Ireland’s support to UNFPA’s Ukraine response to €6 million since early 2022, we are deepening our commitment to the women of Ukraine, and to ensuring that they have access to sexual and reproductive health services and the opportunity to give birth safely, particularly in areas close to the frontline. In addition, we are extending our hands to support those who have endured gender-based violence, through improved services and financial support. In recognition of the disproportionate impact of the war on women and girls, Ireland increased its contribution to UNFPA’s operations in Ukraine in 2024. Ireland will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people, and greatly values the work of UNFPA in meetings the needs of vulnerable groups in Ukraine,” said Jonathan Conlon, Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine.
As the security situation in Ukraine remains unstable, especially in the areas close to the frontline, UNFPA, with generous support from Ireland, plans to reinforce, refurbish, and equip two medical facilities in Kharkiv with functioning and safe bunkered basement facilities. €1.5 million of Ireland’s contribution has been allocated for this purpose. These spaces will serve as both emergency medical service areas and shelters. Given Kharkiv’s proximity to the frontline, where shelling and explosions frequently occur before alarm systems can activate, this initiative underscores the urgent need for strengthened medical infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted and safe healthcare services for the region.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Ireland for their steadfast support, which enables us to provide critical, life-saving assistance to those most in need. This partnership goes beyond addressing immediate needs; it empowers survivors, fosters resilience, and supports communities as they recover and rebuild from the devastating impacts of war. By prioritizing initiatives like the bunkerized facilities in Kharkiv, we are taking vital steps to protect both patients and medical staff, ensuring they can operate safely even in the most challenging conditions,” said Mustafa Elkanzi, UNFPA Deputy Representative to Ukraine, Senior Emergency Coordinator.
Ireland’s continued collaboration will also strengthen UNFPA’s support for ‘VONA’ hubs, which are career-building centers offering economic empowerment and psychosocial support for women at risk of GBV.
In 2024, with Ireland’s support, UNFPA also launched a pilot project of the Survivor Relief Centre in Borodianka, focusing on community social mobilization and the prevention of gender-based violence. Thanks to this project, all people affected by the war and at risk of GBV can access psychosocial and legal support there. From April 1 to December 1, 2024, over individuals received assistance in the Centre in Borodianka. Among the beneficiaries: 80.3% were women, 19.7% were men, and 17% of all clients were internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Ireland’s steadfast support for UNFPA’s response in Ukraine underscores our collective commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, integral to our broader humanitarian and recovery efforts. Together, we are doing more than delivering essential services – we are providing vital humanitarian assistance, restoring hope, and building a resilient future for those most impacted by the ongoing conflict.
