Today marks one year since the beginning of Russia’s military offensive against Ukraine, which has resulted in almost 6 million internally displaced persons and almost 8 million refugees. On this solemn day, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA calls for sustained engagement by the global community – including the U.S. – in meeting the needs of all those who have been displaced.

“I recently visited JRS programs in Poland that are addressing the emergency and long-term needs of Ukrainian refugees, including housing, education, and psychosocial support” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director of JRS/USA. “The refugees are determined to persevere, but they continue to need our help. With no end of the conflict in sight, donors and decision makers must continue to provide the resources and political will necessary to ensure that Ukrainians have the support they need.”

Over the past year, JRS has mobilized a coordinated global response in 23 country offices and in partnership with the Society of Jesus to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate Ukrainians in need. To date, JRS has assisted more than 56,000 people with over 82,000 services as part of a three-year plan to provide the medium and long-term support necessary for Ukrainian refugees.

Host communities and donor governments have also played a critical role in ensuring that Ukrainians have access to critical resources. The United States is the largest donor to the humanitarian response for Ukraine and has welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainians to the U.S. as part of the Uniting for Ukraine program. 

“We call on the U.S. to continue providing sufficient resources to meet the humanitarian needs of displaced Ukrainians,” said Giulia McPherson, Director of Advocacy at JRS/USA. “We also urge the Administration to continue welcoming Ukrainians within our own borders and to work with Congress to ensure that those in the U.S. under temporary humanitarian parole have access to opportunities for long-term legal status.”  

As the second year of the conflict in Ukraine begins, JRS will continue to stand with those impacted by the war. By raising awareness and mobilizing supporters for action, JRS carries out its mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees from Ukraine and around the world.