New Zealand NGOs call on the Government to do more for Ukraine crisis
This week, the New Zealand humanitarian sector, along with the Ukrainian community of New Zealand, sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Immigration, requesting urgent support for those impacted by crisis in Ukraine.
The open letter, created in partnership with Mahi for Ukraine and five other Ukrainian community groups across New Zealand, has been signed by ChildFund, along with ADRA, Amnesty International, Circuit International, Hagar New Zealand, International Needs NZ, Just Peoples, Oxfam Aotearoa, Tearfund, The Salvation Army and World Vision.
Together, we are asking the Government to agree to the following:
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Permit immediate entry to New Zealand for the immediate and close family members of New Zealand Ukrainian citizens on humanitarian grounds.
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Increase New Zealand’s refugee quota from 1500 to 4000 for the 2022/2023 period, with an allotment of Ukrainian refugees and focus on women and children.
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Increase Government humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine from $2m to $20m.
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Establish a specific consultation group with representation from Ukrainian New Zealanders to assist with humanitarian policy and settlement of Ukrainian citizens.
Read the open letter to the New Zealand Government.
For those who are interested in raising your voice to support Ukrainian refugees, a petition to the government has been established, and has already collected more than 1,500 signatures. You can also write a letter to your local MP to support the cause. Here are some suggested letter templates.
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