Following full agreement from elected members the donation to the DEC is to help fund its members charities’ UK-based activities whose resources are being put under considerable strain as they respond to the crisis affecting Ukraine.

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. By pooling resources to work as one campaign, the DEC co-ordinates the UK public’s response to overseas disasters, assisting people in life and death situations and save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.

Latest figures from the DEC say that at least 3 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine, leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones to face an uncertain future.

Des Murray, chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council said, “The atrocities affecting the people in Ukraine are devastating and the council as one of a number of authorities, is making a charitable donation on behalf of the people of North Lanarkshire to assist the DEC’s UK-based charity efforts as they are under increased pressure to support people in Ukraine.

“In addition, we will be ready to assist and work with local partners to support anyone who will be resettled through the government schemes, including working with local voluntary organisations to help people when they arrive to make friends, learn languages and new skills and access support and practical advice.

“The terror that people in Ukraine must be experiencing is unfathomable for us and if this donation can help in any way, then lives could be saved and people who need urgent assistance can be supported. It is truly overwhelming to watch what is happening and we must do all that we can to assist.”

The council continues to promote the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to residents as a way of supporting people in Ukraine.

The council has a proud and compassionate record of supporting people escaping terror by making them feel welcome in our towns and communities, as we have done with people fleeing from Afghanistan and Syria in previous conflicts.

Officers from the council have been working with Registered Social Landlords and stand ready at a local level to offer support to people from Ukraine who arrive in North Lanarkshire. We will work with our colleagues in COSLA to make sure people feel welcome in our communities.

Officers are already working with three voluntary organisations to plan for the arrival of people from Ukraine and there may be opportunities to donate or volunteer at these organisations such as through the already established Befriending and ESOL Volunteering programmes. More information will be available on the council website as soon as more details are known. 

The DEC is a coalition of 15 registered charities that have vast experience in providing emergency aid. The funds donated by people are then used by charities inside Ukraine and at its borders to provide people fleeing the war with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.

To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian appeal visit: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal