Ukraine: a statement from the Leader of the Council

Statement from Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council:

"I join the leaders of councils across Hertfordshire, and the clamour of voices across the world, in condemning the military invasion of Ukraine which violates the fundamental human rights of the Ukrainian people and international law, and in so doing threatens security in Europe and the entire world.

My thoughts are with the innocent civilians who are being killed, injured, forced to flee their homes or hide underground while their towns and cities are mercilessly targeted.

And my thoughts are with those local people who may have friends and family members in the Ukraine and hour by hour are praying for the safety of their loved ones.

We in Three Rivers are ready to assist in any way that we can and stand in solidarity with the rest of the world in calling for an end to this inhumanity."

Three Rivers District Council s not collecting donations directly, but we have compiled a list of organisations and appeals that residents might consider supporting.

• The Disasters Emergency Committee  brings together 15 leading UK aid charities, raising funds to quickly and effectively respond to overseas disasters
• The Red Cross has set up the Ukraine Crisis Appeal
• The UN refugee agency  has a specific collection for Ukraine
• The Ukrainian Embassy has set up a special fund
• Goods for Good  is a local charity that sends donated goods to vulnerable communities around the world and have already mobilised to send supplies to Ukraine
• World Jewish Relief  is working with partners in Ukraine to support those in need

Photo caption: Cllr Sarah Nelmes (third from right) stands in solidarity with other leaders across Hertfordshire