Welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine to Aotearoa

On the night of February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine. The cities were bombed. Civilians murdered. The actions of the Russian army forcibly displaced people. At this rate, the situation looks set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century.(1)

While the world seeks to find a way out of the turmoil of war in Europe, something New Zealand can do right now is to provide refuge and security to Ukrainians who have had their lives overturned by the Russian invasion.

As a community of Ukrainians-Kiwis together with our fellow Kiwi friends we ask the New Zealand Government to do the right thing and help our family members and other innocent people fleeing the war. Other countries including the UK, Canada and Australia have already provided some or all of the above pathways for resettlement, New Zealand needs to also do our part.(2,3,4)

References:
1. UNHRC United Nations Refugee Agency https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing/2022/3/621deda74/unhcr-mobilizing-aid-forcibly-displaced-ukraine-neighbouring-countries.html
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-support-for-ukrainians-fleeing-russia-invasion
3.https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/response_conflict-reponse_conflits/crisis-crises/ukraine.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/nearly-4-000-ukrainian-immigration-applicants-approved-to-come-to-canada-minister-1.5799622
4. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-promises-places-for-refugees-fleeing-war-in-ukraine-20220227-p5a02e.html