A Year Of War: People With Disabilities In Ukraine Face New Challenges
On February 24th last year, people of Ukraine awoke to a nightmare: shelling and bombing announcing Russian invasion. During the early days of the war, Galyna, the Joni and Friends Regional Manager for Eastern Europe, spoke with Joni on a video call from her home in Ukraine.
For Galyna, one of the first concerns when war began was for her fellow Ukrainians living with disabilities—people who can’t flee downstairs from 8th floor apartments, people in wheelchairs, people left behind as family members, friends, and neighbors flee from danger.
Galyna’s concerns point to a worldwide crisis when it comes to people with disabilities in conflict zones.
As noted on the Harvard Law Review Blog: “Even when disabled people are not specifically targeted, they may still be victimized by the circumstances of war. The laws of war do not address this disparity. Chapter 3, Article 30 of the 1949 Geneva Convention requires prisoners of war be given medical treatment as needed, with specifically designated facilities to care for persons with disabilities. Article 110 requires that prisoners with certain disabilities be repatriated. However, neither discusses those caught up in war who are neither combatants nor prisoners.”
Inside Ukraine, Galyna made a choice:
She trusted God to lead her and took action to do her part to rescue the vulnerable people within her reach.
Emboldened by her faith and with the support of Joni and Friends, Galyna secured the necessary paperwork, transport, and supplies to evacuate a group of disabled people, with family members and caregivers, across the border to safety. One group turned to two, two to three, and before long the risky caravans to the border became a regular occurrence…
To date, more than 600 people safely crossed out of the war zone thanks to God’s work through Galyna and her network. These people are now housed safely in the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Switzerland.
Refugee Life
After evacuation, people with disabilities and their caregivers face a new world of challenges. Even without disability, refugees deal with grief, lack of resources, need for shelter and care, and ongoing uncertainty about the future. For people with disabilities, every one of these difficulties can be more acute.
During the last year Joni and Friends sought to provide respite, comfort, healing, and joy to Ukraine’s refugees with disabilities by hosting Family Retreats for Ukrainians.
Through events in Romania, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, and Hungary, Joni and Friends created settings for spiritual renewal, rest, and encouragement for displaced people living with disabilities.
In the coming months, Ukrainians who have experienced combat and violence will be invited to a customized Warrior Getaway. At this event trained staff will help participants cope with trauma, and find hope and healing in Christ.
A Long Road Ahead
At the outset of the war, over 2.7 million Ukrainians reported living with disabilities. By the time the war ends, that number will be higher. Joni and Friends will continue to serve and pray for these people, now and in days to come.
Join Us in Prayer!
Pray for people with disabilities in war zones—in Ukraine and around the world.
