Anzhelika Bielova, President of Voice of Romni, contributed to Oxfam’s new publication, “Voices from the Frontlines: Messages for the Next UN Secretary General,” sharing the Ukrainian experience of living and working amid the full-scale war.

In the publication, Anzhelika speaks not only about the everyday dangers faced by civilians. She also raises issues that are critical to Ukraine’s future and the work of local organisations: the need for long-term funding for humanitarian work, the sustainability of civil society organisations, and justice and accountability in the context of ending the war.

“There are a lot of challenges and not a lot of long-term projects; instead, there are mostly short-term projects. We are in a very difficult position when it comes to financial support and funding for organisations that provide humanitarian response and work with people in extremely vulnerable situations,” says Anzhelika.

The publication brings together the voices of 14 civil society leaders from nine countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. Their testimonies form the basis of five key messages for the next UN Secretary General: meaningful representation of communities in decision-making; protection of civilians and accountability for violations; addressing the political and economic root causes of conflict; flexible funding for civil society and humanitarian organisations; and justice and accountability.

We thank Oxfam for the opportunity to share Voice of Romni’s experience of working with people affected by the war, Roma communities, internally displaced people and people living in frontline regions, as well as Anzhelika Bielova’s personal experience of leading an organisation and sustaining its work amid the full-scale war. It is important for us to be part of the global conversation on the future of humanitarian assistance and the role of local organisations.

Read the full Oxfam publication and hear the voices of those working closest to people directly affected by war and humanitarian crises: