No Peace Without Women - What are Women bringing to Peace Processes, Conflict Prevention and Human Security?

“No Peace Without Women” “What are Women bringing to Peace Processes, Conflict Prevention and Human Security?” September 15, 2022

Opening Panel: Opening Panel link: https://youtu.be/U4MoWO1pG8c

Mrs. Carolyn HANDSCHIN, Coordinator of International Association of First Ladies for Peace for Europe & Middle East, President, NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Geneva

Mrs. Handschin began her opening remarks by welcoming all participants to the event and series of round table discussions. She thanked the organizing team: WFWP EUME; IAFLP (UPF); Renee Moawad Foundation and co-host HE Mme Nayla Moawad; supporting organizations: UN Women; NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Geneva; and Soroptimists.

Calling on all to reject the view that violence and confrontation are an inevitable outcome of deteriorating relationships, Mrs. Handschin noted that the tragic consequences of war and conflict for all parties should urge everyone to actively seek peaceful solutions. To highlight civil society campaigns, she mentioned various successes: forbidding land mines to be used as a weapon of war and banning cigarette smoking in public places. Referring to the eminent speakers from the UN, EU, public and private sectors and NGOs from various nations, Mrs. Handschin stated that they would enlighten the audience on women’s work in preventive diplomacy and neutralizing triggers of violent conflict. In addition, they would clarify more effective methods of working in greater solidarity, drawing on previous notable successes.

In conclusion, alluding to her personal experience as mother of a large family, Mrs. Handschin reminded the audience of the value of family relationships as a training ground in preventive diplomacy and neutralizing triggers of tensions. Furthermore, she emphasised that success there was more likely to be achieved through commitment, love and belief in the innate goodness of the perceived offender. Mrs. Handschin proceeded to welcome the first speaker.

Dr. Julia MOON, President of WFWP International, Director General of the Universal Ballet (1996- ), Vice Chairwoman, Sun Hak Educational Foundation,

Dr. Moon commenced her remarks by referring to the challenging global circumstances and the urgent need for women since such conflicts shake humanity’s confidence to achieve sustainable peace. However, Dr. Moon sees hope. Alluding to the world’s response to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, she views this as a touching example of how the power of one woman touched the hearts of many people beyond religious or political leanings. Queen Elizabeth vowed service to God and her people 70 years ago and remained faithful to that vow despite tremendous challenges. Thus, she demonstrates how the power for change in society is rooted in the heart of loving service for others.

WFWP asserts that human beings are created to seek peace and harmony and are naturally inclined to work towards a peaceful world. Dr. Julia Moon spoke of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, her beloved parents-in-law. They together founded WFWP in 1992 to encourage women to develop WFWP Europe & WFWPI United Nations Office, Rue Anne Torcapel 10, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland c.handschin@wfwp.org | www.wfwp.org +41 (0)21 728 8812 | +41 (0)79 250 3477

leadership qualities and skills in the quest for sustainable peace, recognizing that their experience as mothers and daughters, sisters and wives prepare them well.

Dr. Moon encouraged participants to take responsibility for their lives and thus find true freedom. She reminded the audience of the motto ‘Peace begins with me’, so simple, yet not so simple to realize. In conclusion, Dr. Moon expressed her appreciation for being able to partner with great women and men as she is meeting today, charting together a course for a sustainable culture of peace

H.E. Nayla MOAWAD, First Lady of Lebanon (Nov. 1989), Founder and President of Rene Moawad Foundation (1991-); Member of Parliament, Minister of Social Affairs (2005-2008)

As a co-organiser of this conference, Her Excellency Ms. Nayla Moawad congratulated WFWP Europe and associated NGOs for their continued efforts to promote a Culture of Peace. Reflecting on history up to today, Ms. Moawad drew attention to the many wars that have erupted worldwide. Hence, she emphasised women’s crucial role in promoting peace. Women, particularly mothers, tend to be more compassionate. Due their sensitive nature, they are more likely to collaborate and listen to one another. They play a key role in creating harmonious families and raising children. Thus, it is crucial to have women leaders work side by side with men in order to build a peaceful and prosperous society. Her concluding statement offered support for these kinds of webinars and online gatherings to encourage women worldwide to proactively create a culture of peace in their societies and nations.

Ms Olga ALGAYEROVA, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (2017- ), former UN Ambassador in Vienna, Slovakia Ms. Algayerova described various platforms created to enable women to take substantial leadership and negotiation roles, which should serve as a guide to support governments. Referring to the economic situation, she elaborated on the vast regional differences, where some countries are dealing with existential uncertainties: turmoil due to conflict and post conflict situations. She emphasised the importance of communicating beyond political differences and sharing lessons learned. In order to find solutions, sustainable cooperation within all aspects of society, women and men, as well, is much needed.

UNECE collaborates with other organisations (international) and civil society to ensure that women are equally represented in decision-making bodies. Drawing on her own experience, Mrs. Handschin refers to the ambitious efforts of Ms. Algayerova to cooperate with NGOs in order to demonstrate more effective methods of engaging with their governments.

Ms. Adriana QUIÑONES GIRALDO, Directorat the UN Women ́s Liaison Office in Geneva, former Policy Advisor in Asia and Latin America, Manager UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls in New York

Ms. Quinones highlighted the multiple global crises, including: food insecurity, climate change and conflict, all of which have increased in the wake of the COVID pandemic. By the end of 2020 the number of forcibly displaced persons had more than doubled that of 2010. Twenty- two years ago, the Security Council approved Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The WPS Agenda was then established with the aim of increasing women’s participation in decision-making and peacebuilding. It also strives to ensure protection of girls and women in conflict-ridden zones, and prevent sexual and gender-based violence in addition to implementing relief and recovery measures.

Mrs. Quinones suggested increasing WPS funding while reducing military spending. She indicated that gender equality projects have a positive impact and yield a high return in peace dividends, while military spending in post-conflict settings put peace at risk. Generally, conflict- ridden countries spend twice or thrice as much on

defence as on health care. More women need to participate in decision-making processes for peace and security and for defence and security expenditures.

Mrs. Quinones also emphasised the positive impact of women in uniform, such as UN-peacebuilding troops. They further trust-building within a community, which is critical in supporting reconciliation efforts, stability and the rule of law.

Session I: Panel link : https://youtu.be/CES1FUlTaxo

Creating Conditions for Peace and Development MC: Ms. Senida MESI, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania (2017-19), Member of Parliament representing Shkodër ( 2017- 2021).

Ms. Mesi, a key organizer of the event, and the mind behind the conference theme, “No Peace without Women” opens the session with the following words: “As a development economist I always thought that we need a culture of peace and to solve conflicts in order to really invest in health and education and to have sustainable growth.” It is not always seen that way. She welcomes the panel and encourages the speakers to share their views on the topic.

Dr. Sakena YACOOBI, Founder and Executive Director of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL)

Dr. Yakoobi thanked the WFWP and conference co-hosts for the invitation. She proceeded to share her experience of supporting Afghan children’s education, specifically girls!

In response to frequently asked questions about her passion for learning, she replied that she believes health, prosperity and peace depend on good schooling. Having 31 years of experience of providing education, Dr. Yakoobi has seen wonderful leaders emerge from her schools. However, she is currently faced with oppression and must return to almost zero. Yet, she has the drive to resume her work in a new form. The Afghan Institute for Learning (AIL) owns a TV station in Afghanistan and is now reaching Afghan children through a curriculum being taught via TV (at home or in a community centre). While this does not replace school, at least it serves as a temporary solution.

Speaking generally on the success of any program, Dr. Yacoobi emphasised the importance of being close to the people, understanding their culture and seeing their needs. She believes that anything coming from abroad will likely fail. In her view, differences must be overcome within Afghanistan to achieve unity, which is critical for the country to move forward. In conclusion, Dr. Yacoobi praised Afghani women, who have persevered regardless of their extreme obstacles, while supporting each other.

Dr Ingeborg BREINES, former Director of the UNESCO Culture of Peace Program, Senior Advisor to the Permanent Secretariat of the Nobel Peace Prize, Norway

Dr. Breines opened her speech by offering appreciation to the hosts of the conference for providing a platform to discuss and search for peaceful, just and durable solutions to conflicts. She considers this vital in times of so much polarization. Referring to courageous women over the centuries who have used their creativity and caring capacity to help build peaceful, non-violent societies, she highlighted the first woman Nobel Peace Laureate, Bertha von Suttner. Quoting from her renowned anti-war novel ‘Lay down your arms’: we need WFWP Europe & WFWPI United Nations Office, Rue Anne Torcapel 10, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland c.handschin@wfwp.org | www.wfwp.org +41 (0)21 728 8812 | +41 (0)79 250 3477

to ‘develop an active disgust for war’. Each time weapons and hatred are allowed to take the upper hand, both humanity and humanism lose.

Dr. Breines also cited Eleanor Roosevelt: “Nobody won the last war; nobody will win the next”. “War should end in the dustbin of history”. She recalled the astronomic military budget (exceeding $2 trillion dollars annually), which corresponds to more than 600 regular yearly UN budgets. This should be used to cover educational and other activities to enable the UN system to do its work. Eight days of the world’s military budget would provide twelve years free, quality education to all children worldwide. Dr. Breines concluded that learning to live peacefully together is the most important pedagogical and political challenge for us all.

Mr. Marcus LENZEN, Senior Advisor & Deputy Chief Peacebuilding Fund UN (United Nations since 2017)

Mr. Marcus LENZEN dealt with the funding of UN Peacekeeping activities in his presentation; he expressed explicitly the need for greater funding for initiatives that include women. He underscored previously mentioned statements supporting women’s inclusion in peace processes and reaffirmed that peace works better and lasts longer when women are meaningfully involved. Therefore, financial support must be used meaningfully. Financial support for the participation and role of women in the peace process must be prioritized; unfortunately, this aspect remains underfunded in most cases.

Pertaining to peacebuilding, Mr. Lenzen views it as a long process where the three phases of conflict must be considered: before, during and after conflict. He added that empowering women is just as important as encouraging men to change their attitudes. To address this issue, he and his team are working to help women become economically empowered. He cited the example of his support for women entrepreneurs’ projects in marginalized regions of Colombia.

Therese COMODINI CACHIA, Member of the European Parliament (2014-2017), Human Rights Lawyer.

Ms. Comodini Cachia, opened her address by referring to a decision she had made some time ago when faced with a career choice between journalism and politics. She chose journalism and focused on human rights activism. She stressed the importance of politics taking a holistic view of the world and adopting an integrated approach to solving problems, together, rather than each nation seeking solutions individually.

In her view, when the international community at the UN seeks the commitment of politicians to work towards peace, conflict-prevention and human security, it does so in the belief that the population of every territory is part of the global family. Assuming that all people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, sex, religion are part of one population, she argued that when one, as part of a national collective, makes the wrong decision, it affects everyone as part of the global collective.

Referring to two important watchdogs of human rights – journalism and activism – she warned that they are being endangered rather than being enabled. In conclusion, Ms. Comodini appealed for the absolute freedom of journalism as a precondition for a free and just world, which should include gender equality.

Session II Panel link: https://youtu.be/CES1FUlTaxo

‘How Women negotiate differently’

MC: Mrs. Aleksandra SKONIECZNA, President, WFWP, Poland MA in Psychology & Linguistics, MBA, certified business trainer

Mrs. Skonieczna referred to a recent statement she had found in a newspaper article: ‘Women tend to be more cooperative, empathetic and ethical’. Such qualities lead to the achievement of lasting sustainable solutions in all areas. She added that women also excel in motivating, guiding and nurturing talents. As a mother of five, Mrs. Skonieczna affirmed that women’s role is more crucial due to the responsibility for raising future leaders in their families. Thus, when women negotiate mundane issues with their children and partners, they serve as a role models for their children as to how they will build relationships and communicate with others later in adult life.

She referred to her experience of growing up in Russia and, since her marriage, living 30 years in Poland, where she has implemented projects to heal Polish-Russian relationships. Recently, it became more clear to her that more women are needed in political positions, such as Presidents and Prime Ministers so that such decisions as declaring war cannot be taken without their consent. Most experts working in caring professions are women, who have to deal with the aftermath of tragedies, such as the wounded, PTSD patients and schoolchildren who have fled their hometowns.

H.E. Elsie CHRISTOFIA, wife of former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias (2008 - 2013); Member of the Central Committee of AKEL Party.

“The contribution of Cypriot Women in the struggle for a peaceful solution of the Cyprus Problem”

Ms Christofia welcomed the initiative of WFWP on the UN International Day of Peace. She criticised double standard policies of powerful nations that undermine UN peace processes. Referring to women’s suffering from wars led by imperialist powers against peaceful people, she emphasised women’s worldwide support for UN peaceful purposes. Women see the consequences of violations of international law, such as the division of Cyprus since 1974 despite the efforts of Cypriot women from all communities for a peaceful solution. Many were displaced and lost their lives. Turkey still occupies 37 percent of Cyprus.

Women have helped with reconstructing Cyprus and with providing economic aid to people. Women’s Mass Movement of Cyprus supports the peaceful reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as provided in the UN Resolutions. However, rising global tensions are adversely affecting its prospects. Ms. Christofia stated that negotiations must resume under the auspices of the UN with the aim of: ending occupation, restoring territorial integrity, abolishing intervention rights, safeguarding human rights, and demilitarising.

History shows that women can emerge as leaders in a crisis. She stressed the need for financial support that goals are met as NGOs engage for women’s issues in communities across the island.

Dr. Liri BERISHA, First Lady of Albania (1992-1997) Faculty of Medicine as a Pediatrician, President of Albanian Children Foundation and Founder of Cultural Foundation “Mother Teresa”

Dr. Berisha thanked the organisers for convening this extraordinary panel in a world troubled by wars. She drew on evidence indicating that women’s involvement in peace negotiations increased opportunities for sustainable peace agreements by 35 %.

WFWP Europe & WFWPI United Nations Office, Rue Anne Torcapel 10, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland c.handschin@wfwp.org | www.wfwp.org +41 (0)21 728 8812 | +41 (0)79 250 3477

As First Lady and beyond, Dr. Berisha has encouraged women to use their transformative power in both charitable activities and decision-making processes, since their voice diminishes the voice of conflict. Dr. Berisha founded the Albanian Children Foundation, focusing on autism spectrum disorders and other illnesses or socio- economic deficiencies. She explained that the more a country cares for the weakest in society, the more it effects positive change for all.

As proponents of peace in media communication, conferences etc., mothers shake public opinion and outdated politics by changing the mindsets of policy makers. Referring to women as powerful engines driving society, she explained that a country’s efforts should be linked to improving women’s and girls’ wellbeing, which will reflect in society’s wellbeing and is critical for conflict prevention. Women working together, promoting and strengthening female leadership in workplaces and organisations, is challenging stereotypes and gender roles. Finally Dr. Berisha expressed hope for the world to prosper, grow and stabilise through feminine wisdom, wit and trustworthiness.

Hon Helina KOKKARINEN, Chief, EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine (2016- 2017), former Ministerial Adviser and Head of the Civilian Crisis Management (CCM) Unit in the Ministry of the Interior 2008-2014, Finland

Ms. Kokkarinen commenced her address by highlighting Finland’s commitment to peace and its focus on promoting women’s participation in peace processes. She explained why women should be at the forefront. Firstly, and not to be taken lightly, women make up half of the world’s population. Secondly, peace agreements by male negotiation teams tend to lack aspects for a sustainable peace since women take care of societal issues.

Ms. Kokkarinen, who had been a Municipal Administrator in Decani (Municipality in Kosovo), shared a personal experience of an unusual negotiating method. During the first municipality elections in Kosovo, the elections went well, but the outcome was problematic. Two political parties had received enough votes to enable both parties to hinder normal development. The winner could have taken key main positions, such as mayor or director, but the other party boycotted the implementation of the municipal statute.

Following a month of fruitless discussion, Ms. Kokkarinen devised a plan. Since she had worked with Albanian refugees and spent time in Kosovo, she understood the society and culture somewhat. She invited the party leaders – former UCK fighters and rather young men – to her home. When they arrived, she sat on the couch and began crocheting while talking to them.The Albanian culture, particularly in the countryside, considers the man as head of the family outside the home. However, at home grandmothers in particular hold power. Ms. Kokkarinen played the grandmother role sitting at home. Her strategy resulted in them reaching an agreement, which was signed by everyone and secured by the municipality.

Dr Thania PAFFENHOLTZ, Director, Inclusive Peace Institute, Geneva, Researcher, focusing on mediation and peacebuilding, process design, inclusion, and participation, and conditions under which peace processes produce sustainable outcomes.

Ms. Paffenholtz began her remarks by affirming that negotiations and peace processes tend to have different outcomes when women participate, but noted that many points had already been made. Thus, she decided to share her own experience to avoid repetition, and she offered interesting insights. Women have a number of assets that men lack. In her opinion, women should focus on their strengths more as they have great power and much to say.

She also emphasised taking advantage of being a mother figure. Patriarchal societies, such as in the Middle East, Kenya, or Eastern Europe, believe that the negotiator/mediator needs to be a man. However, Ms. Paffenholtz has discovered that men often got bogged down in the process and ended up shouting at each other because they needed to get certain things out. As a mediator herself at a certain stage in the process, she would clap her hands and ask them if they had finished saying everything. They would respect her and take her seriously.

She views this as feminine authority. If a man behaves thus, it would be seen as a power game. When a woman behaves so in those societies, they respond to her as to a mother figure. She considers this a huge advantage and therefore recommends having women as lead mediators and chief negotiators.

Session III Panel link : https://youtu.be/u5kj_0mtGLg Women in Conflict Resolution/Transformation: Case Studies MC: Mrs. Marcia DE ABREU, WFWP Secretary General Europe, WFWP President in Spain

In her opening remarks, Mrs. de Abreu referred to the approval of Resolution 1325 by the then President of the UN Security Council, Dr. Theo Ben Gurirab, in October 2000. On that occasion, women’s participation in peace negotiations was declared essential, confirming that women were necessary.

Women have been gradually stepping into areas of conflict prevention and resolution. However, despite impressive activities for peace in national and international organizations, it has been a difficult process to reach the negotiation tables. Unfortunately, women have not had the political clout necessary to bring transformation. Women continue to protest peacefully against the horrors of wars through demonstrations, declarations, statements, civil disobedience, peace camps and so forth, in order to avert the implementation of militaristic policies for resolving conflicts. Mrs. de Abreu proceeded to welcome the first speaker of the panel.

H.E. Emilija REDŽEPI, Third Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Issues and Human Rights, Kosovo

H.E. Ms. Redžepi opened her address by noting that the involvement of women in processes during crises in history always resulted in superior and more sustainable outcomes. In her opinion, women make decisions wisely and confidently, but the outcomes frequently go unnoticed because of male suppression. Besides highlighting the urgent need for laws protecting women’s rights and their strict enforcement, Ms. Redžepi also advocated increasing the number of women candidates at the European level.

Referring to her homeland, Ms. Redžepi stated that Kosovo must strive towards creating a framework whereby all citizens have equal rights and importance, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion in order to establish a multinational and multicultural state. She believes that showing mutual respect and willingness to build coalitions while simultaneously rejecting the stereotype of women’s weakness or inferiority are important stepping-stones towards that goal. Furthermore, she views education as vital for prosperity for all. Particularly, in rural areas, many women lack basic education, and as widows, are often unsupported.

Ms. Redžepi named some governmental measures, which she recognizes as inadequate, but important first steps. These include agricultural projects enabling women to earn an income; free education for children; extra WFWP Europe & WFWPI United Nations Office, Rue Anne Torcapel 10, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland c.handschin@wfwp.org | www.wfwp.org +41 (0)21 728 8812 | +41 (0)79 250 3477

financial support for single and needy mothers. In conclusion, she thanked the hosts for inviting her to participate in the conference.

H.E. Nataša MIĆIĆ, President of Serbia (2002-2004), University of Belgrade’s Law School, Founder of the Otpor! student movement

H.E. Mićić commenced her address by thanking WFWP for the chance to participate in the conference. She emphasised the necessity of women’s participation to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and to all conflicts. This is reaffirmed by UN resolution 1325, ratified by Serbia, and adopted in its National Action Plan. Yet, women’s participation in formal negotiations alone is not enough.

Referring to the armed conflicts between Serbia and Kosovo, she said women did not participate, but led the anti-war policy through the NGO sector. After the war, women insisted on bringing perpetrators to justice and paved the way for the achievement of peaceful reconciliation. Referring to the Regional Women’s Lobby, she highlighted their work which uncovered numerous examples of courage, such as saving the lives of people of other nationalities and helping them in need. One example was the late Kosovo Minister of Justice, whose two sons and husband were taken from their home and never returned. Yet she found the strength to advocate for reconciliation and peace. She concluded that despite rapid changes worldwide, the role of women is growing slowly. Thus, women need to persevere against marginalization and promote peace and justice.

Hon. Emanuela DEL RE, European Union Special Representative (EU SR) for the Sahel since 2021, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Italy, (2018 to 2021)

Hon. Ms. Del Re began her address by emphasising the need for women to play a more central role in the design and implementation of post-conflict resolution and peacebuilding activities. She referenced the recommendations defined during the second edition of “Women in Conflicts”, held in Brussels on 9 June 2022. This event was co-hosted by the European Council President, Charles Michel, together with UN Women, Nadia’s Initiative and the Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation. The event participants concluded that clear actions are required to support the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in areas dealing with conflict prevention, crisis management and long-term peacebuilding. The EU will continue supporting states in conflict and post-conflict zones.

Ms. Del Re is the EU representative for The Sahel, a region which has seen an increase in armed conflict in recent years. This is seriously impacting the most vulnerable - youth and women. In her opinion, more action is needed; currently, they are working with local and regional partners to include Sahelian women in conflict prevention and resolution, mediation, post-conflict negotiation and reconstruction, and gender inclusion in security sector reform. Ms. Del Re believes integrating gender into peace programmes and processes is critically important, as well as adopting and implementing policies to empower gender equality. In conclusion, women make a difference and can be real agents of change.

Ms. Srruthi LEHKA, Coordinator of the Youth Peace Conference “Peacebuilding Commission”, of WFWPI UN Office in Geneva, Germany-based development consultant and human rights activist, Co-founder and Director of Polity Link International

In her address, Ms. Lekha strongly emphasised youth participation in decision making processes, for which certain criteria must be fulfilled. The youth need to be educated about ways of expressing their viewpoints, and they also need to be given space to participate and offer their ideas. Ms. Lekha, aged 22, invests in Youth Peace Accord programs, whose function simulates the real (UN) peace talks. In 2021 she co- organised the Peace Accord dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian situation with representatives from both sides and other students playing the role of other countries: It was an intense two-day period, while both sides shared their views. Eventually, they proposed several practical steps that could contribute to sustainable peace.

This year, in their attempt to tackle the North-South Korean issue, they faced the challenge of finding representatives for the participant nations. It was an amazing experience for both the participants and the audience as the youth adopted their roles exceedingly well. Again, they invented and offered several practical steps towards peace, which was astonishing given that most were high school students without special education in the field. Ms. Lekha concluded that NGOs are obliged to provide training for young people, and government bodies must create the space for them to come to the table.

MC: Mrs. Mitty TOHMA, European Vice-President of WFWP, President of WFWP UK

Mrs. Tohma announces the presentation of a special project that is going to be launched at this conference and introduces Mrs. Anna Kalmatskaya, who is going to present it. Mrs. Tohma had visited the Ukraine a view times herself; she shares about the encounter with refugees and IDP at an WFWP event. One lady especially she will never forget, how her face was etched in pain, and her whole body still shivering as she just had lost every one of her family. She was almost unable to talk. A center for social and psychological rehabilitation is so essential!

Mrs. Tohma then introduces Mrs. Anna Kalmatskaya. Mrs. Anna KALMATSKAYA, Vice-President of the Women’s Federation for World Peace of Ukraine

Referring to WFWP-Ukraine’s extensive experience since 2014 and more intensely since February 2022, Mrs. Kalmatskaya thanked European partners for their generous support for ongoing activities, which have included humanitarian aid distribution to 100 IDPs and evacuation assistance to 50 families. Regarding WFWP members, she mentioned that although the majority had become refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs), their activities had not ceased. For example, Mrs. Tatjana Kotseba, President WFWP Ukraine and mother of five, remains in Kyiv despite hostilities.

As their work has increased substantially since the outbreak of the war, Mrs. Kalmatskaya presented details of their new project. This consists of a mobile team, providing humanitarian, medical and psychological relief to approximately 100 families that had fled the frontlines to small villages, now surviving in difficult conditions. Many are traumatized and require psychosocial support and some families have elderly and disabled members. They lack access to information on legal or social assistance, are in financial need and cannot apply for status as IDPs. A register is kept by Ministry of Veteran Affairs of the Kyiv-Svyatoshin Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation in Boyarka, the cooperating partner of WFWP since 2014.

A full description of the project is available at WFWP chapters. Link to poster: https://www.wfwp-europe.org/single-post/emergency-appeal-for-ukraine

WFWP Europe & WFWPI United Nations Office, Rue Anne Torcapel 10, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland c.handschin@wfwp.org | www.wfwp.org +41 (0)21 728 8812 | +41 (0)79 250 3477