Global Citizen has announced that its Stand Up for Ukraine event on April 9 raised pledges totaling $10.1 billion (€9.1 billion) in new cash grants and loans in support of those who have had to flee their homes in Ukraine.

The $4.6 billion (€4.1 billion) in grants and $5.5 billion (€5 billion) in loans will support refugee aid efforts in Ukraine in providing accommodation and economic security, as well as support grassroots organizations and United Nations agencies working with refugees and internally displaced people.

As part of the campaign, Global Citizen and more than 70 organizations, businesses, and institutions published an open letter on April 8 calling on world leaders, governments, philanthropists, artists, and businesses to support humanitarian relief efforts for refugees from Ukraine and conflicts around the world. In March, the UN called for $1.7 billion to address the escalating and multifaceted Ukrainian refugee crisis but emphasized that more would be needed. According to Oxfam, governments around the world have begun or have considered moving humanitarian funds to address the needs of Ukrainians.

As part of the Stand Up for Ukraine campaign, nearly 5,000 individuals in 66 countries donated more than $530,000 to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. In addition, governments, corporations, and philanthropic partners made in-kind commitments in support of humanitarian relief efforts within Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Global Citizen also pledged to continue to campaign for aid for people living in extreme poverty around the world, as well as those most affected by humanitarian crises, including in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/krblokhin)