Refugees from the war in Ukraine already amount to 1,7 million
The humanitarian crisis unleashed by the Russian invasion in Ukraine has left, so far, more than 1,7 million of people forced to leave the country, according to the ONU. The figure, which continues to grow, led to the European Union to urgently approve a directive for unlimited reception of those displaced to community territory. There are some initiatives that focus on helping LGBTIQ+ refugees, who often flee war and take refuge in neighboring countries such as Poland o Hungary, which have policies against the LGBTIQ+ collective.
Crowdfunding Kifkif and complaint by ACATHI
The Association of Lesbian, Gay, Transsexual and Bisexual Migrants and Refugees of the Community of Madrid, Kifkif has launched a campaign of through crowdfunding to raise funds to help Ukrainian LGBTI refugees. The goal is to reach a total of 5.000 euros to help LGBTI refugees who are fleeing the invasion and arrive in Moldova.
This is a campaign launched together with Genderdoc-M, LGTBI association of Moldova. The campaign lasts from March 3, 2022 to April 4, 2022. To promote the dissemination of the campaign on social networks, Kifkif has launched the hashtag #HelpLGTBIUkraine.
In addition to the donation for the shelter set up in Moldova, there is the option that people can host in Spain. "We are very surprised because dozens of individuals who offer their homes have registered, and not only LGTBI people, but families, people who do not necessarily have any connection, who help with what they humbly have.«, has highlighted the president of the association, Samir Bargachi.
As denounced by the Catalan Association for the Integration of Immigrant Homosexuals, Bisexuals and Transsexuals, ACATHI, "African Queer People Fleeing Ukraine Face 'Serious Danger' Even After Arriving in 'So-Called Safe Countries'."
ILGA EUROPE
From ILGA Europe are in contact with activists and other organizations working to support LGBTI communities in Ukraine and those who are fleeing, to better understand the needs and see what kind of support can be useful. For now I think it's more appropriate direct donations to groups in Ukraine that are receiving funds and groups that receive LGBTI people in neighboring countries. We encourage people to support initiatives that are already underway and working well.
On their website they offer different options to make a donation.
Lesbian Hosting Network
It is a hosting network for lesbians. In a first phase they are collecting information and have launched a network of lesbians who support refugees. In one day they collected more than 150 names of people willing to host people in different EU countries. They have also opened a zoom room for Ukrainians LGTBIQ + and allies to share and feel the support of the community.
EPOA European Pride
EPOA is in regular daily contact with colleagues at Kyiv Pride and Kharkiv Pride. There is an urgent need for funds to support their activists and keep them safe, so they have launched a fundraising appeal to help with their safety, evacuation to a safe place and to buy basic necessities such as food and medicine. .
EPOA has donated to the Kyiv Pride and Kharkiv Pride Solidarity Fund for their most basic needs.
We invite the community to make donations to support activists in Ukraine. 100% of donations will go to Kyiv Pride and Kharkiv Pride.
