Dave Clark
Most in the business world use Factal to find out where not to be. For our partner NGOs, the fast alerts and detailed mapping tell them where they must go. A growing number of non-governmental organizations have responded to and around Ukraine to help civilians with food, shelter and medical assistance.
“Providing free access to NGOs is such a critical part of our company and mission,” Cory Bergman, co-founder and VP of product at Factal said. “They’re often the first to arrive on the scene of disasters and conflicts under the most trying circumstances. And they’re on a budget. We’re proud to help provide the information they need to respond faster and route aid more effectively.”
More than 100 disaster relief, humanitarian aid and human rights NGOs rely on Factal’s free access. Here are just some of the ways a few our NGO partners are helping right now.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés is on the Poland-Ukraine border right now. The D.C.-based restauranteur is helping to feed the hundreds of thousands fleeing violence, often with littler more than the clothes on their back and the car they are in.
World Central Kitchen is also in Moldova. Their aid, as is typical for WCK, incorporates local restaurants into their distribution model.
Team Rubicon
Built on the experiences of U.S. veterans and first responders, Team Rubicon responds to humanitarian crises around the world. The greyshirts will be arriving in Poland shortly with a team of four, two of whom are physicians. As a World Health Organization EMT type 1 (mobile) team the four are responding to an international request for aid.
Direct Relief
With so many medical experts and potential casualties on hand the need for medical supplies will be great. That’s where Direct Relief comes into the picture. They are sending 500 medical outreach packs to the Ukraine Minister of Health, as well as additional medical supplies to deal with the overlapping crises of covid-19 and the war.
Direct Relief was already active in Ukraine helping the nation deal with the pandemic. They are now using their knowledge and relationships to fill the additional needs brought on by violence.
Samaritan’s Purse
Already working with local partners in Ukraine to distribute gift boxes, Samaritan’s Purse is expanding their efforts now that open conflict resumed. They have prepared an Emergency Field Hospital to send over as their experts determine need.
“Samaritan’s Purse has been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine for weeks,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We have deployed members of our Disaster Assistance Response Team to surrounding countries and are standing ready to help meet emergency needs resulting from the crisis. Please join me in praying for the people of Ukraine and for this conflict to end quickly.”
Samaritan’s Purse
Human Rights Watch
Senior Researcher with Human Rights Watch Yulia Gorbunova was in Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the invasions. At a border crossing into Poland, Gorbunova relayed a first hand account as the people living in Ukraine of various nationalities left behind family, work and school.
Yulia will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine for refugees/migrants, free speech, minority treatment, suppression of journalism, and many other issues.
International Medical Corps
In 2014, during the last Russian incursion into Ukraine, International Medical Corps worked to expand access to outpatient primary healthcare, MHPSS, GBV and later COVID-related services. Now they must expand again, as up to 12 million people in Ukraine face urgent humanitarian assistance.
Often the first on the ground, IMC responds rapidly to disasters both human and natural.
International Rescue Committee
Already on the ground in Poland, the International Rescue Committee is using local partners to provide whatever services are needed.
“We truly hope we can avert disaster and avoid the human suffering we will inevitably see if this conflict continues to escalate,” says Lani Fortier. “However, the IRC is ready and preparing for the worst. We are working to quickly mobilize resources and connect with partners to establish a response that will provide life-saving support to civilians forced to flee their homes. We will work to respond where we are needed the most and with the services that are needed urgently. Whatever the needs are, we are preparing to meet them.”
International Rescue Committee
They are also calling on the European Union to allow safe passage for all fleeing and backing the U.N. Secretary General’s call for all forces involved in the fighting to protect civilians.
Factal’s verified news updates are available to eligible NGOs at no cost. Know an NGO that would benefit from the platform? Send them to this page to contact us.
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Photo: Two World Central Kitchen workers distribute food. (World Central Kitchen)