Since the beginning of the conflict in the east of Ukraine in mid-April 2014, the violence continues to disrupt peace and stability in that country, especially among the population residing in the eastern parts. After a failed attempt to reach a lasting cease-fire in Minsk in September 2014, hostilities resumed and led to the conclusion of a »Minsk II« cease-fire in the middle of February 2015. In spite of the attempts to provide a peaceful resolution to the conflict, hostilities continue to pose an immediate threat to human security endangering lives of civilian population. Humanitarian situation is dire with many people struggling to satisfy basic needs, and the government struggling to provide medical assistance. At least 5,793 including 63 children have so far lost their lives, and 15,595 including 169 children have been wounded in east of Ukraine, among them  a 4-year old child from Kramatorsk, a city in the north of the Donetsk province.

In a recent bomb attack on Kramatorsk the child lost his arm, while his mother passed away protecting him with her own body. He is currently being treated in Ukraine, but the medical personnel fears that soon they will no longer be able to offer him treatment that is needed for the child's full recovery. Based on ITF's unique experience in providing coordination of this kind, we have been asked, during our visit in Ukraine, to step in and facilitate financial support that is needed for his treatment. ITF Enhancing Human Security has already undertaken initial steps and coordinated the communication between medical personnel in Ukraine and Slovenia, all of which agree that the child should be treated in Slovenia.

We are hereby making an appeal for urgent financial support of these immediate humanitarian activities in order to provide this child much needed adequate rehabilitation treatment and by doing so, to enable him the necessary conditions for long-term social reintegration.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information.

February 2015