On this third anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war, international leader of The Salvation Army General Lyndon Buckingham has reached out to survivors with words of solace and comfort, and has called for a new level of moral consciousness and civic responsibility from both sides to end hostilities.
‘Unfortunately, we do not know the extent of the impact of the war on the Russia side,’ said General Buckingham. ‘Details are scarce. But on the Ukraine side, The Salvation Army is working among people who have experienced great devastation as a result of the war.
‘Many thousands have died, nearly four million – including one million children – are displaced within the country and six million have fled their country as refugees. Our prayers for comfort and healing are with all who live in fear and who grieve the loss of loved ones.
‘Today, for the sake of their own people, I call upon the leaders of both countries to bring about a swift and just end to hostilities. I also call upon world leaders to do all within their power to come alongside both countries in a spirit of bipartisanship and peacemaking.’
The comments of The Salvation Army’s international leader follow closely behind the movement’s launch last week of ‘Three Years of War: Healing the Mental Health Scars’, an exhibition in central London that depicts the story of its work during the war. The exhibition includes the personal stories of survivors and shares how The Salvation Army has provided spiritual, emotional and physical support to individuals, families and communities.
An art session at a Salvation Army centre provides a moment of calm and community
The Salvation Army, now officially working in 134 countries, cares deeply about the welfare of all people and is committed to peacebuilding and ensuring people’s right to live without fear for their lives. Since its inception, it has responded to the needs of displaced people – whether fleeing conflict, violence, persecution, natural disasters or poverty – through the provision of practical, emotional and spiritual assistance.
The movement’s International Positional Statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers upholds ‘all people having the right to life, liberty and security of person’ and supports ‘international efforts to eliminate persecution and displacement through the promotion of peace, tolerance, understanding and respect for human life and dignity’.
The prolonged conflict in Ukraine has resulted in serious mental health needs, ranging from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks to insomnia, nightmares and problems forming attachments with others.
The Salvation Army within Ukraine and neighbouring countries is creating safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. The ‘Three Years of War’ exhibition is available to view online and at Gallery 101 at The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom.
- For more information, please visit: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/ukraine-three-years-of-war
- The Salvation Army International Positional Statements are available here: www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips