Ukraine crisis: World Federation of the Deaf launches donation campaign for Deaf Ukrainians

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) has appealed for donations to support the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf (UTOG), as the embattled country continues to fight against an invasion by Russian forces.

The announcement comes after UTOG urged Deaf Ukrainians to “keep calm and stay in touch with each other” amid the crisis, and to “only trust official information”.

In a video shared on Monday, WFD President Joseph J. Murray said: “The WFD works with deaf organisations around the world to protect deaf people during disasters and armed conflicts.

“As the first shots were fired, the WFD reach out to our Ordinary Member, the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf. The WFD has offered our assistance with intervention at the international level and any other forms of support they may need.

“I have spoken directly with the society’s president. They are doing a wonderful job in ensuring deaf Ukrainians are given access to information in Ukrainian Sign Language during this war.

“The WFD salutes the President and the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf for their efforts.”

WFD stands with the #deaf people of Ukraine! 🇺🇦
In times of war, deaf people may quickly lose their rights.
The WFD has offered our assistance with intervention at the international level to @UtogOrg.
➡️ Make a donation to support Ukrainian deaf people! https://t.co/CvZkv0wwiT pic.twitter.com/rujrLNnS94

— World Federation of the Deaf (@WFDeaf_org) February 28, 2022

Dr Murray went on to add the WFD was also supporting Ukraine’s neighbouring countries with deaf refugees, as well as reminding the United Nations’ High Commissioner on Refugees of “their obligations to deaf Ukrainian refugees” around accessing information and seeking refuge in another country.

He continued: “We are also consulting with our expert networks on ways to move forward with support for deaf Ukrainians, and for other deaf people in situations of armed conflict, today and going forward.

“This includes delivering the right to access information, to security, as well as their very lives.

“The WFD is organising a donation campaign to support the work of the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf and in neighbouring countries who are receiving deaf Ukrainian refugees.

“Collaborate with us to support deaf Ukrainians!”

The donation page to give in support of the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf and deaf Ukrainians can be found on the WFD’s website.

Photo: World Federation of the Deaf/Twitter.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.