Thanks to EU and UNDP, university dormitories in Kharkiv hosting over 1,000 IDPs receive household appliances to get through the winter

This emergency aid will enhance winterization efforts and support war-affected people settled in Kharkiv

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the European Union, transferred household appliances to support internally displaced persons from war-torn communities and recently retaken territories of Ukraine who are staying in university dormitories in Kharkiv.

Over 270 pieces of equipment – including stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, water heaters, washing machines, and electric kettles – were handed over to four universities that are between them hosting more than 1,000 internally displaced persons. In addition, UNDP, together with the European Union, has already delivered 18 generators to the Kharkiv “points of invincibility” (special shelters with all basic services) and educational institutions, and 8 Starlink stations to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity in these difficult times.

Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted that the European Union has already been prioritizing winterization for months. “Millions of displaced Ukrainians who have had to flee the violence of war, leaving their homes behind, and are in need of comprehensive assistance. The appliances we handed over to Kharkiv facilities are essential to help the local population and internally displaced persons get through the harsh winter ahead,” he added. “We are delighted with the incredible hospitality and dedication of host communities throughout Ukraine, and assure our continuous support in their efforts to ensure Ukraine’s recovery.”

Jaco Cilliers, interim UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, noted that this transfer of household appliances is a part of UNDP’s immediate response to the Government of Ukraine’s call to support Kharkiv Oblast in preparing for the winter. “With reliable support from the European Union, we at UNDP are proud to be strategic partners of the Kharkiv Oblast Administration, local universities and social institutions in their efforts to host Ukrainians from the war-torn communities,” he added. “Our strategic cooperation will continue next year, as we have significant plans to strengthen the resilience and early recovery of Kharkiv Oblast communities.”

The appliances were purchased and delivered by UNDP within the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme and with the European Union’s financial support.

Background

The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) is being implemented by four United Nations agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Eleven international partners support the Programme: The European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland.