Humanitarian support for Ukrainians under temporary protection in Romania and IDPs in Transcarpathia (2022-2023)

The initial aim of this project was to provide adequate and timely support to Ukrainian refugees in Satu-Mare County and Transcarpathia, which was achieved through a combination of services: cash distribution, distribution of essential items, shelter for vulnerable families, transport and information services. The second part of the project focused on providing grants to small NGOs active in response to the Ukrainian crisis and piloting a sclr (survivor and community-led responses) programme for community initiatives implemented by Ukrainian groups in Romania.

One year into the war displacement crisis, the Romanian state’s strategy was to encourage Ukrainians to become more self-reliant and take responsibility for their own needs. In this respect, the sclr programme has proved to be very appropriate and timely, acting as a catalyst in empowering Ukrainian communities in Romania. This approach stimulates survivors of such conflict to use their creativity and provides resources for them to succeed in serving their local community through various initiatives. The entire project was designed by HEKS/EPER and its implementing partners based on needs identified in existing studies or through direct interaction with the affected communities.