Reflection piece: 'Ukraine - one year on'

It is difficult to write something that has not already been said about the war in Ukraine, with many reflecting on the fact that one year ago the world heard the sirens go off in Kyiv, marking the start of a conflict that has destroyed countless lives, buildings, livelihoods, and social fabric. 

I have spent a great deal of my career working to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian emergencies.  

War devastates societies and infrastructure, which can take years to recover from. Amongst the most impacted, and who often find it hardest to recover, are people with disabilities because of the social exclusion they face. 

Fortunately, due to assistive technology (AT), more people are able to maintain or increase their independence which ultimately can improve their well-being. Whilst working with the Global Disability Innovation Hub, who provide support in countries such as Ukraine (through a partnership project, AT2030.org, funded by the FCDO), I have found that whilst AT may not always immediately save lives, it does enable people to move around, safely leave their homes, find out information and participate in their communities.

Ensuring that all people are protected, assisted and supported in their time of extreme need equally is a key concern for actors working for Ukraine, in all other wars, and in humanitarian contexts globally today. We need to learn lessons from Ukraine and the many other conflicts sadly going on globally to better implement solutions now and in the future, remembering that prevention is always better than a cure.