Supporting the Seafarers International Relief Fund to assist seafarers affected by the Ukrainian crisis
The Trafigura Foundation has donated USD 50,000 to the Seafarers International Relief Fund to assist seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.
The heads of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have called for urgent action to protect an estimated 1,000 seafarers trapped in Ukraine and nearby waters following the Russian aggression against the country.
In a joint letter to the heads of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, the ILO and IMO asked to urgently assist seafarers with the reprovisioning of the ships:
“As well as the dangers arising from bombardment, many of the ships concerned now lack food, fuel, fresh water and other vital supplies. The situation of the seafarers from many countries is becoming increasingly untenable as a result, presenting grave risks to their health and well-being.”
About the Seafarers International Relief Fund
The Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) was originally established in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The SIRF has recently launched a new fundraising campaign to support seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.
The SIRF is coordinated by The Seafarers’ Charity and is a collaboration of maritime charities including The Mission to Seafarers, the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Sailors’ Society, Stella Maris and the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA). Initial grants have been made to ISWAN and the welfare fund of the Ukrainian Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union (Mortrans) to provide immediate financial support to seafarers and their families impacted by the crisis.
Published on 02/05/2022
Photo: © Fotoreserg
