Ukraine: Field visit for representatives of foreign ministries under Warsaw Regional Delegation
From 9 to 16 November, representatives from the foreign ministries of Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovenia visited Ukraine to witness first-hand the ICRC’s activities in the field. It was the first time such a field trip had been organized by ICRC Warsaw.
The field trip enabled diplomats to widen their understanding of the complexities of the ICRC’s response to humanitarian needs on both sides of the front line and provided an opportunity for them to see the ICRC in action in proximity to people affected by the conflict.
The contrast between this and how some public comments negatively portray the ICRC’s work in Ukraine enabled the Warsaw and Kyiv delegations to shed light on some of the root causes of harmful narratives and their impact on the ICRC’s ability to operate efficiently and safely.
The programme was packed with briefings, meetings and visits. In Kyiv, a day of contextual and operational briefings broadened the participants’ understanding of the ICRC’s response and mandate in an IAC. The ICRC’s protection team in Kharkiv explained its forensic and detention-related activities, as well as how the ICRC facilitates the cross-border transfer of vulnerable civilians (including children) between Ukraine and Russia (both ways). Diplomats also met with the Kharkiv branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, with whom the ICRC closely cooperates.
Diplomats witnessed how the ICRC contributes to strengthening the local authorities’ capacity to maintain essential services and respond to some of the needs of people affected by the IAC, on both sides of the front line. They visited hospitals supported by the ICRC: the physical rehabilitation project at Kharkiv Medical University Hospital and Chuhuiv Hospital, where the director demonstrated how operations were maintained in dire circumstances, with ICRC help to set up a new heating system and provide solid fuel for the winter. They also saw one of the 13 modular water heating stations of the Kharkiv Heat Network Company, whose rehabilitation the ICRC supported.
Field visits to villages in Izium District directly affected by the hostilities in 2022 were the highlight of the trip. Warmly welcomed by the Izium authorities, the participants attended a presentation on the challenges faced once the Ukrainian armed forces retook the district after several months of occupation. When visiting the households supported through the ICRC livelihood programmes, they witnessed the realities of life in economically fragile areas that are severely affected by weapon contamination, i.e. landmines and unexploded ordnance. These were impressive and moving encounters, showing the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people and local authorities after almost three years of armed conflict.
At the end of the field trip, the participants had a unique chance to see the emergency decontamination training organized by the ICRC for the State Emergency Services of Ukraine in Kyiv, aiming to build their capacity to respond in cases of chemical, biological or nuclear accidents.
The trip concluded with a reception that brought together key members of the ICRC delegation, representatives of embassies and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners.
