French, Ukraine Discusses Support for War-Torn Citizens

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Concerned about the situation in Europe regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the French along with Ukraine began to conduct the "standing with the Ukrainian People" conference that takes place in Paris, French, on December 13, 2022. 

"The conference was designed by the French President since the summer to prepare Ukraine for the most pressing winter difficulty," said the source from French Embassy during the press briefing via zoom.

Affected by the conflict and deteriorating weather that could threaten Ukraine’s resources, the conference’s key discussion focus on three sectors in regard to access to energy, water, food, health, and transportation.

"The aim is to provide a concrete answer in a short term from December 2022 until March 2023," The source continued.

The conference was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who appear online for the duration of the conference and discuss restoring the needs of the Ukrainian infrastructure that is being damaged by the conflict.

In addition, the conference going to be more oriented toward the reconstruction of Ukraine which has been badly damaged by the conflict. The Russian invasion of Ukraine that started on February 24, 2022, has resulted in billions of property damage and hundreds of thousands of lives killed with millions displaced.

Therefore, the conference invited 70 High Officials from various countries including Indonesia and 500 French companies and organizations to provide and discuss a short-term solution.

Ukrainian Refugee Concern

Another matter of concern that befalls Europe is the massive surge in Ukraine refugees. According to a source from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 7,832,493 Ukrainian refugees have been scattered around Europe and only 4,805,531 have registered for Temporary Protection. 

As many as 118,994 Ukraine refugees have entered French and were provided temporary protection with additional 20,000 children that have been enrolled on French education. 

However, according to the source from French Embassy in Jakarta, the French have not yet provided any mechanism for the refugee in a long term. Other issues on the coming of Ukrainian refugees also brought concern for the fate of Non-European refugees.

"This is a difficult time and situation. We don't want the Ukraine refugee to bring a negative impact on Non-European refugees in French, the current situation, especially in countries around Europe is to aid refugee that is deemed in an emergency," further info from the source on French Embassy.

IMAJI LASAHIDO