Joining forces with fellow Luxembourgish volunteer Philippe Jacob, a seasoned veteran with nine missions in the war-torn region, Fonseca engaged in various relief efforts, including evacuations.
Philippe Jacob, recognised for his extensive contributions in the war zone, collaborates closely with the NGO Centre for Civil Liberties, a recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.
Reflecting on his experience, Fonseca praised Jacob’s dedication, noting, “Philippe does evacuations, he does coordination - he’s everywhere! All over the country and all along the front line. The front spans 1,200 kilometres, and he collaborates with numerous NGOs along its length.”
Fonseca himself delivered a former Luxembourg ambulance procured by LUKRAINE through auction, along with essential supplies such as medicines and bulletproof vests, underscoring the urgent need for such resources amid ongoing attacks by the Russian army on aid vehicles.
Additionally, Fonseca actively participated in evacuations, a task fraught with peril. Recounting his experiences, he shared, “We evacuated people from Avdiivka. Very young children. And also elderly people who wanted to stay. They were then taken out of there by the soldiers from Avdiivka and then brought to the interim refugee camp.”
Returning from his mission, Fonseca expressed deep concern over the perilous conditions he witnessed, emphasising the constant threat posed by artillery fire. He remarked, “It’s extremely dangerous when you are within range of the artillery. It’s 30 kilometres from the front. […] International humanitarian workers are regularly killed […] on purpose, by drone attacks or artillery fire. […] LUKRAINE just lost an ambulance last week because it came under fire. It’s also dangerous for the people who volunteer there, and they sometimes pay a high price to help other people.”
The 29-year-old already has plans to go back to Ukraine soon to help for another month.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, organisations such as Doctors Without Borders and Handicap International continue to play crucial roles in addressing the dire humanitarian situation.
Handicap International sheds light on the plight of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and disabled individuals, who bear the brunt of the two-year-long conflict. The indiscriminate Russian bombings, affecting approximately 25% of Ukrainian territory, have severed essential services, isolating entire segments of the population from healthcare, education, and social networks.
With a workforce of approximately 300 dedicated employees in Ukraine, Handicap International remains steadfast in its mission to provide support to those in need. Their efforts encompass rehabilitation services for the injured and crucial psychological support for thousands grappling with the mental toll of war. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that the repercussions of the conflict will affect up to ten million people in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders continues its operations in Ukraine, delivering vital medical assistance despite the challenging circumstances. Having responded to over 3,000 emergencies and performed more than 300 surgeries, the organisation frequently conducts evacuations to ensure the safety of patients amidst active conflict zones.
Nearly 15 million individuals in Ukraine rely on the assistance provided by organisations such as Handicap International or Doctors without Borders in various capacities.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
