By Oluwaseun Sonde
Canadian Government has announced the immediate deployment of 150 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Personnel to Poland to assist with efforts to support and care for Ukrainians fleeing violence.
The announcement which was made by the National Defence Minister, Anita Anand on Thursday, while CAF members will provide assistance in reception centres operated by the Polish Territorial Defence Force located across the country.
"While these centres coordinate the onward movement of Ukrainian refugees in Poland and across Europe.
"The CAF will provide support, limited medical care, mental health supports and spiritual services, enabled by Ukrainian-speaking CAF personnel to assist with the immediate care and processing of refugees", Defence Minister said.
She stated that the deployment is being carried out as part of the Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest contribution to NATO. "It is expected to last for an initial period of two months, after which point the need will be reassessed.
"In support of Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, the CAF will also act as a liaison with the Polish Armed Forces to assist with the federal response to support temporary residence for Ukrainians wishing to work and study in Canada.
She further said they will support the newly established Humanitarian Assistance Task Force, designed to synchronize and coordinate the efforts of over 100 multinational humanitarian agencies.
"The CAF will also be contributing several planning officers to this Polish-led initiative alongside our Allies.
"The CAF along with our NATO allies, remain committed to supporting the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attacks", Defence Minister said.
Meanwhile, Canadian Armed Forces are engaged around the world in a number of military operations ranging from humanitarian and relief efforts to peacekeeping to keep Canada and North America safe and to support its partners and NATO allies.
Poland, a country of 38 million people, has already taken in nearly 2.6 million Ukrainian refugees, or 60 percent of the total exodus since the Russian invasion began at the end of February, according to the United Nations.
Many Poles have been welcoming Ukrainian families into their homes, gathering donations and volunteering to help the refugees.
Despite the millions of individual examples of generosity toward fleeing Ukrainians, concerns are growing that Poland cannot withstand this level of migration.
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