6 April 2022
EU Commissioner Dalli holds meeting with NGOs in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine
Today, Commissioner Helena Dalli held a meeting with 22 civil society organisations active in the area of equality to listen to their concerns in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The discussions focused on the heightened risks faced by women, children and minority individuals in the context of the war.
Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, said:
“Women and children, in all their diversity, account for 90% of refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine. In our endeavours to ensure safety to everyone who crosses the border, we must directly address the situation endured by marginalised individuals, women and children.”
During the meeting, various references were made to the extra hardships that persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ people, Roma, non-Ukrainian refugees, older persons, and persons in institutional care are facing. Furthermore, participants also discussed the recently published report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), which highlighted the need to stay vigilant, and address any arising issues to ensure that everyone – regardless of their sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, fleeing the conflict are granted access to the EU.