Union County Commissioner Board Condemns Attack on Ukraine

The Union County Board of County Commissioners condemns the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine and encourages County residents to support organizations that are providing medical assistance and other supplies to victims of the war, including refugees as well as those within Ukraine.

The Ukrainian flag has also been raised at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, as symbol of solidarity.

“The democracies of the world have united to condemn the attack, and a coalition of allies led by the United States has taken action to assist Ukraine. In support of this effort, we encourage Union County residents to help the people of Ukraine by contributing to reliable, trusted aid organizations that are providing medical supplies, food, and other forms of relief,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

In addition to the Ukrainian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, some of the many aid organizations accepting contributions are:

CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.

Doctors without Borders: Mobilized in Ukraine and nearby countries to provide medical support.

International Medical Corps: Healthcare services, psychosocial support, and other services.

International Rescue Committee: Resources for refugees facing a humanitarian crisis.

Project Hope: Coordinates with health-care workers to provide on-the-ground medical support to countries in crisis

Save the Children: Hygiene kits, food and water, financial support, and mental health services through the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

US-Ukraine-Foundation: airlifting medical supplies into Ukraine.

Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.

On Thursday, March 3, the Commissioner Board passed a resolution, sponsored by the entire Board, condemning the declaration of war and subsequent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation last week, and supporting the right of Ukraine to exist as a democratic, independent nation free of the influence of Russia or any other country.

The full text of the resolution is as follows:

WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation declared war and began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine from the North, East, and South and bombed various regions across Ukraine including the capital of Kyiv in violation of international law; and

Whereas, As of February 28, 2022, a United Nations human rights monitoring team had confirmed 376 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 94 deaths, after only three days of fighting, and that as each day has passed, more casualties have been tallied and more destruction documented; and

WHEREAS, the United States of America, as well as the international community have responded to these violations by levying some of the toughest sanctions ever imposed against Russia and top Russian individuals, resulting in immediate and significant financial consequences for the Russian banking and financial markets; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey condemns the invasion of Ukraine, and supports continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, echoing the voices of people all over the world in saying “No” to war; and

WHEREAS, the people of Ukraine, led by their democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of aggression by Russia and are determined to preserve their country and democracy:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board joins with the Legislature of the State of New Jersey and condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and supports the citizens of Ukraine in pursuing democracy and independence. In addition, this Board supports New Jersey’s proposed ban on pension fund and local government investment deals with Russia and Belarus;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners implores Russia to return to diplomatic solutions to resolve this situation with the democratic and independent government of Ukraine.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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