The ongoing events in Ukraine are shocking and tragic and at Barton Legal we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. This is a crisis that will have long lasting effects, beyond even the humanitarian implications.
This month our Construction Director, Bill Barton, was quoted in a fantastic piece by Dave Rogers in Building Magazine exploring the wider effects of the crisis in Ukraine on the construction sector.
Bill discussed the importance of collaboration throughout the sector and abandoning any ‘beggar-thy-neighbour attitudes’, especially at this difficult time. To read the rest of his comments and the article in full, please visit Building Magazine.
Ways to Help
Like us, many people want to do as much as they can to help the people of Ukraine, so we have put together a small list of resources. NB: This is not exhaustive and may change as the situation evolves.
Financial Donations
There are numerous UK and international organisations who have launched appeals you can donate to. The following are the largest national appeals:
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas.
The British Red Cross
Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to get critical care to those who need it most, both in Ukraine and its bordering countries. This includes distributing 400 tonnes of vital aid, such as food, blankets, hygiene parcels and warm clothes.
UNICEF
UNICEF are working to provide access to clean water, health care services and other critical support to the families and children affected by the crisis.
When donating money to an organisation, always check that they are genuine before providing financial information. In the UK you can do this by searching their name and registration number on the Charity Register.
Ukraine Justice Alliance
The Ukraine Justice Alliance (UJA) is a collaboration of lawyers, law firms and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) formed to support the Ukrainian people by offering legal advice and expertise. The alliance is made up of law firms and lawyers from a wide range of jurisdictions, and will be focusing on legal action relating to human rights, international law violations, environmental abuses and stolen and damaged national assets.
The UJA will also be focusing on practical free legal assistance for people in Ukraine; for example, help with immigration and preservation of evidence.
To find out more and to get involved, please visit Ukraine Justice Alliance.
Homes for Ukraine
The UK Government has set up a scheme for people who want to offer a home to Ukrainian refugees. The first phase will be for “Ukrainian applicants who have named people in the UK willing to sponsor them” (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 2022). For more information and to register your interest please visit Home for Ukraine Scheme.
If you have any other resources or schemes to help support people affected by the crisis and you would like us to share, please contact Chloe McAlister chloemcalister@bartonlegal.com
