THE INTERNATIONAL Association for Ports and Harbors has joined forces with The Seafarers’ Charity to assist port workers and their families in Ukraine.
The initiative reflects the vision of various workers unions and maritime charities who have been working to support seafarers impacted by the conflict, but applies it to landside workers.
Major Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and in the Sea of Azov have been targeted by Russian forces since the conflict began in late February.
“Ukrainian seaports are in the frontline of the war, as the siege of Mariupol and heavy fighting around Berdyansk and Kherson has demonstrated,” IAPH and The Seafarers’ Charity said in a joint statement.
“The environment is chaotic, dangerous, and fast moving, with other ports in the Black Sea, such as Odesa, under threat.”
The association and charity said ongoing violence and uncertainty are causing people to flee their homes and become separated from their families.
“In some areas, water, electricity and phone connectivity have been affected with many people now unable to contact their loved ones.”
They said the workers and their families currently need the elements of basic human welfare, such as shelter, food, water, transport, access to medical services and practical financial help.
However, the needs are expected to evolve as the conflict continues and as communities, port cities and futures are rebuilt.
The association and charity intend to work alongside present and potential future partners to identify and respond to further welfare needs.
They said funds raised by the initiative will be distributed to delivery partners operating in Ukraine, including the Maritime Transport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine, to facilitate support for port workers and their families.
The International Relief for Ukrainian Port Workers initiative was inspired by the Seafarers International Relief Fund, which is also administered by The Seafarers’ Charity, but which provides support for seafarers impacted by a broader range of crises.
