Summary of Presentation of Information

The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, in coalition with the Democracy Development Center and NGO CSW provided a platform for Ukrainian gender rights activists, experts in global and regional security, and representatives of non-governmental organisations to advocate for the needs of women amid this conflict. In the opening remarks by the Honourable Betty Ogwaro, member of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, she provided her perspective as a female peacemaker from a state recently mired by conflict and established that the GNWP “continue[s] to demand and insist sustainable peace” while “walk[ing] hand in hand with our Ukrainian sisters.” 

The recommendations from the panel included repeated demands for gender inclusive peace-making and calls for aid for the people seeking safety and security, including the need for a humanitarian corridor to ensure safe passage for the refugees migrating to surrounding states. Tamara Ogorodoca, a representative of a non-governmental organization providing humanitarian aid, made emotional pleas reminding the participants that there are “women in crumbling houses… children being born in bomb shelters, children being born in subways…” who need the help of the global community. 

In that same vein, there was a call for aid for the surrounding states, such as Moldova, Georgia, Latvia, etc, as they face an influx of refugees. Victoria Rosa, who acted as security, defence, and European relations advisor to former Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu, indicated that the attitude in Moldova towards refugees was favourable. Rosa stated that Moldovans consider the refugees their “neighbours, to be friends, to be part of our families” but asserted that Moldova would need the help of global actors to make consistent and effective aid possible. According to Rosa, 65,000 refugees had made their way into Moldova, as of 4^thMarch, 25,000 of whom are minors.

Concerns were raised by attendees about the safety of the refugees, particularly refugee women who may find themselves in desperate situations. Members of the panel informed the attendees that women-focused NGO’s and local initiatives were working on the ground to combat trafficking and exploitation of women and children. 

What information shared in this meeting is of significance to The Salvation Army and why?

As The Salvation Army are a first line of aid in crisis situations, it is vital that we address the needs of those affected and lend a helping hand. Our global army has a wonderful heritage of providing services to those who have been impacted by unprecedented disasters and conflicts. This puts our organisation in a unique position to aid refugees and those seeking aid during the current conflict.

What is The Salvation Army currently doing to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals addressed in this meeting?

The Salvation Army is currently providing services to those fleeing this conflict in Latvia, Moldova, and other surrounding nations. In addition, refugees are particularly vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking, which The Salvation Army conducts a wide range of preventative and restorative projects both in the region and internationally.

What opportunities are there for The Salvation Army to create or further develop the work in this area? 

The Salvation Army is always working to improve its Emergency Disaster Relief services, as well as its response to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers and are in constant pursuit of this goal. 

Web links for more information

Full statement from the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders

https://gnwp.org/solidarity-ukraine/