The IKEA Foundation commits €20 million to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to respond to the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation urges others to join efforts to provide emergency relief support for victims of conflict

LEIDEN. 3rd March 2022.  Today, the IKEA Foundation announced an immediate donation of €20 million for humanitarian assistance to those who have been forcibly displaced by the military action in Ukraine. This is in response to an emergency appeal from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to scale up its assistance and protection to people affected by the deadly conflict in Ukraine. As of 3 March, UNHCR reported that 1 million refugees, mainly women, children, and families, have already fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries.

The military action in Ukraine is an immediate and growing threat to the life and well-being of many people. Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation, said: “This is a human tragedy. We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and we have pledged to do all we can to help the children and families affected by the deadly war. UNHCR has been our long-standing partner and they have a proven track record. We therefore call on the world’s governments, businesses, and philanthropies to join us and increase the relief support for UNHCR and the people fleeing Ukraine.”

UNHCR is on the ground and is committed to stay and deliver. They are supporting people forced to flee with legal assistance, psychosocial support, shelter, basic needs, and multipurpose cash assistance, among other types of support.  UNHCR urgently requires US$270 million inside Ukraine for an initial three-month period, and US$240 million for its regional refugee response for six months.

The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while more than 4 million refugees from Ukraine may need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries in the coming months.

“The humanitarian conditions in Ukraine and for refugees in neighbouring countries are dire. Millions are affected by the conflict and hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. Peace is urgent and so too is humanitarian support,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “I am therefore extremely grateful for the IKEA Foundation’s generous and timely contribution to the humanitarian response. The IKEA Foundation is demonstrating extraordinary solidarity with forcibly displaced people, as it has done so many times in so many places around the world, and is leading the way for the private sector with this much needed contribution to help people in desperate need.”

In this context the IKEA Foundation welcomes the commitment of €10 million that Ingka Group has made available to provide products and other support to UNHCR and other local organisations working in their markets. Inter IKEA Group has also announced that it will grant €10 million to provide specific support for children and families of Ukraine, working with among others Save the Children.

About UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water; help safeguard fundamental human rights; and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. Learn more at www.unhcr.org