Waiting for the Sky to Close

As part of a partnership with HIAS, VOICE conducted a four-week rapid assessment of Ukraine and five bordering countries (Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia) to assess the needs of women and girls affected by the war in Ukraine and the needs of WROs and groups responding to the emergency. The assessment revealed high risks of trafficking and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), as well as conflict related sexual violence, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). It revealed further protection concerns related to shelter and unsustainable housing (often heightening the risk of exploitive labor); a lack of access to livelihoods and cash-based assistance; and inconsistent access to reliable information. Overall, displaced persons throughout the region lack access to GBV services, reproductive healthcare, and psychosocial support services, and Roma and LGBTQ communities face additional discrimination and protection concerns.