DRJ Statement on Ukraine
Ukrainian people are living through the devastating invasion of their country in violation of their sovereignty and human rights. Disaster Researchers for Justice stands in determined solidarity with Ukrainians and all people everywhere who are actively opposed to the political decision to invade Ukraine and the injustice of war.
The indiscriminate killing, including children and the elderly, denial of self-determination, and the inhumanity incited by Russia's belligerent president is inextricably woven into ongoing intersecting unjust crises.
On February 24th, when the direct invasion of Ukraine commenced, Ukrainians were experiencing the highest numbers for new COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. Additionally, the re-emergence of pediatric polio had resulted in a national action plan officially activated in December of 2021 to contain the spread. The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear meltdown and resulting catastrophe (whose impacts on human, animal, and environmental health continue today) became an early battleground, threatening further harm to Ukraine and beyond. The direct and indirect damage to industrial facilities throughout the country threatens to further pollute the air, water, and land.
As Ukrainians defend their freedom in their homeland, the likelihood of nuclear meltdown and radiation, the decimation of Ukrainian health and emergency infrastructure, and the interference with the polio vaccination action plan from a recent outbreak seem imminent. The fighting inhibits the ability of Ukrainians to effectively respond to other crises such as seasonal multi-million dollar flooding, earthquakes, and forest fires and complicates the engagement of climate action.
Already we have seen aggravated disaster outcomes in the form of loss of life, injury, mental health impacts, destruction of culture, the diminished response to COVID-19, and threats of radiation exposure. Over one million people have been forced from their homes to seek safety abroad. We support the acceptance of all refugees seeking safety the ability to cross international borders regardless of nationality.
In the next few weeks, we will be exploring our options for support. We invite your ideas on how we as a community can best support the needs of Ukrainian disaster faculty, researchers, students, and professionals.