Acted has been operating in Ukraine since 2015, where it addresses the emergency and recovery needs of vulnerable, marginalised and conflict-affected populations in the Donbas and Azov Sea regions. Since February 2022, Acted has significantly strengthened its presence and operational capacity across Ukraine. With nine offices and over 300 staff members, the organisation provides tailored, evidence-based assistance in three contextual areas (frontline, early recovery and reception of displaced persons) through its cash assistance, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and livelihoods programmes. Acted prioritises localisation by working closely with Ukrainian civil society organisations and integrates disaster risk reduction (DRR) into its activities.
Ukraine is facing a protracted humanitarian crisis due to ongoing military hostilities across the country. Almost four years after the conflict began, 12.7 million people still require humanitarian aid, whilst 3.6 million are internally displaced. People living along the front line are particularly affected and face severe shortages in basic needs, economic security and access to services. At the same time, communities across Ukraine continue to suffer the consequences of aerial bombardment, economic instability and the loss of their livelihoods. Beyond short-term needs, considerable efforts are being made to support the long-term social, economic and environmental recovery of communities by stabilising humanitarian conditions.
1. Acted’s 3ZERO approach in the country
Acted’s programmes in Ukraine form part of the 3ZERO strategy, which aims to reduce poverty, minimise environmental impact and ensure the inclusion of the most vulnerable. By combining emergency response, recovery measures and long-term support, Acted Ukraine addresses immediate humanitarian needs whilst promoting resilience, self-sufficiency and sustainable development among conflict-affected populations across the country.
Zero Exclusion
Zero Exclusion ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities or health issues, displaced persons, single mothers, pregnant women, large families and unemployed people over the age of 50. Acted integrates gender considerations and an inclusive approach to project design in order to empower women and promote safe and equitable community development. Acted also works closely with local CSOs to expand the reach and scope of its programmes and to better access communities where needs are most urgent. Finally, coordination at the local level enables a tailored response that takes into account socio-economic, geographical and demographic vulnerabilities.
Zero Carbon
The Zero Carbon pillar focuses on environmentally sustainable interventions. ACTED implements plans for water and sanitation security, waste management and sustainable housing repairs in homes, hospitals, schools and public institutions. Efforts include improving energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy, using environmentally friendly solid fuels for wintering, and green procurement, all aimed at reducing environmental impact, restoring ecosystems and supporting resilient and self-sufficient communities.
Zero Poverty
Acted provides cash-based humanitarian aid, including multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA), cash assistance for heating, cash assistance for housing repairs and emergency livelihood grants, targeting the most vulnerable populations. Complemented by frontline support such as hygiene kits, materials for emergency shelters, the rehabilitation of bomb shelters and the rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems, these interventions enable beneficiaries to meet their urgent needs whilst strengthening their economic security and developing sustainable livelihoods. ACTED is a major player in the field of cash assistance in Ukraine, and its emergency livelihood support helps beneficiaries transition from purely humanitarian aid to self-sustaining economic activities.
