The Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine

Please join the CSIS Humanitarian Agenda on 24 March 2022 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am EST for a discussion on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Almost one month into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict has created the fastest-growing humanitarian crisis since World War II. The UN estimates at least 6.5 million individuals have been internally displaced, 3.5 million have fled to neighboring countries, and over 12 million are stranded and unable to leave as a direct result of the invasion. Access and security constraints are preventing aid agencies and humanitarian organizations from reaching the most vulnerable. Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped without adequate food, water, electricity, or heat in temperatures 18 to 22 degrees below normal. The recent attack on a theater in Mariupol, as part of Russia's ongoing siege, is indicative of a pattern of attacking non-military locations—including hospitals, residential areas, and schools—and targeting civilians, both serious violations of international humanitarian law.  

This discussion, featuring Charli Carpenter (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Alex Mahoney (USAID), Maggie Fleming (InterAction), and Lauren Pucci (HIAS) will examine the toll of Russia’s invasion on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the response of the international community thus far, the need for greater humanitarian access, and the role donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders can play in mitigating the humanitarian situation. 

This event is made possible through the generous support of USAID.