Helping those escaping conflict

Sir, – Despite mutterings of potential future negotiations, the war in Ukraine is likely to continue. The civilian infrastructure will continue to be a target, forcing families to leave the country, with many Ukrainians feeling that it is not safe to return home.

Ireland will face further challenges in accommodating new arrivals as those escaping the effects of conflict and climate change becomes the norm.

While there are many impressive community-based organisations in Ireland who have been instrumental in the success of supporting the Ukrainian refugees, central-level planning and leadership has been weak. The Irish overseas NGOs could potentially play a role in the leadership, planning and logistics of both this response and those that will likely follow. With years of proven experience working with refugees and host communities, they could add significant expertise and value for money.

We’ve already seen the US overseas NGOs deployed on their southern border. Many overseas humanitarian agencies based in parts of Europe have been engaged at local and central level since the Syrian refugee influx of 2015. – Yours, etc,