The number of persons affected by these causes continues increasing every year. Today Europe lives an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine as more than 13 million people have fled their homes seeking for security and new opportunities within the country and across the continent.
Following its long and inspiring history of commitment in the work with refugees, migrants and displaced person, once again the YMCA has reacted in a quick and effective way.
Our priority has been providing safe spaces and tools for integration within different YMCAs in Ukraine, the neighbouring countries and beyond.
We have reported about examples of programme initiatives led by local and national YMCAs where solidarity towards families and individuals is combined with mobilisation of resources, hosing and access to basic services at the welcoming new communities.
Our thoughts and action shall also be with hundreds of thousands of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from other regions of the world that are living in Europe, struggling with their situation and seeking for opportunities.
Our action combined with efforts to improve the living conditions in the countries of origin through effective cooperation for development projects, becomes crucial at all levels.
More that ever this annual World Refugees Day is a call for solidarity and action. Each of our European local and national YMCAs has the potential to become a space where dignity and Human Rights prevail.
Learn more about our Programme Group and the Refugee work by YMCAs in Europe here
