Latest News

Since Russia’s invasion into Ukraine began, the number of fleeing Ukrainian refugees has exceeded 8 million, and 2,302 people have been evacuated to Japan, as of February 15, 2023.

Civic Force is using its network in Saga Prefecture and working with local partners to support the refugees who came to Saga.

In April 2022, Saga Prefecture, Saga City, and NGOs launched “SAGA Ukeire Network” to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Civic Force’s executive director, Kaori Neki, also joined as a founding member. 

The prefecture coordinates with the government agencies to provide living allowances. Saga City provides schooling and resident support in addition to daily necessities. NGOs are supporting the refugees by procuring necessary items, visa applications, and other support needed for resettlement. All three actors are using their strengths to provide comprehensive support. 

“I cannot sleep at night because of the sirens.”

“I want to live a normal life.”

“I want my children to go to school.”

Ukrainians are still in the midst of a crisis and Civic Force and partners are working together to welcome those relocating to Saga.

Prevent isolation and provide safety

As of February 2023, SAGA Ukeire Network welcomed 33 people (15 families). The Network is aiming to welcome at least 30 families as long as they wish to live in Saga. In Ukraine, male citizens aged 18 to 60 years old are not allowed to leave the country due to having to join the military. Many of the people who arrived in Saga are women, children, and the elderly. The Network is offering Japanese language classes to prevent isolation from language barriers and making a brochure with Ukrainian phrases.

With no end in sight to return to Ukraine, the Network is also working with over 50 companies to secure employment opportunities for the arriving refugees. It is still difficult to land a job right away, however, the Network is relaying the message, “Even if you do not speak Japanese and you may be returning to Ukraine, there are employment opportunities.”

Network of Disaster Assistance and International Development Sectors

In January 2022, there was only one Ukrainian national living in Saga. However, there were several reasons why this network of public-private partnership became possible.

For example, Saga Prefecture experienced heavy rain disasters in 2019 and 2021, and local organizations in the city worked together to provide relief supplies, operate evacuation centers, and conduct surveys on evacuees at home. Each actor carried out disaster response activities using their expertise. Close coordination is essential to respond quickly in the event of a disaster, and this disaster support network was put to good use in accepting the refugees.

Additionally, in Saga Prefecture, there are organizations that have been active in the fields of international development and multicultural exchange for many years, as well as organizations that provide assistance in Ukraine’s neighboring countries. "If we join forces in Saga, we may be able to assist refugees from Ukraine." An international development organization has initiated the conversation with the prefecture and Saga City to establish the support system. This type of public-private partnership is a new initiative in Japan and many are monitoring its activities closely. 

A place of hope for foreigners wishing to come to Japan

Behind this initiative, there is the “CSO Collaborative Project” started by Saga Prefecture in 2010. This project aims to invite NGOs tackling various social issues to Saga and collaborate on social issues faced in Saga. The Project received United Nations Public Service Awards - the first as the Japanese organization. Participating organizations are eligible for subsidies as well as fundraising through the Hometown Tax system (“Furusato Nozei”).

Taking advantage of this system, Civic Force established a base in Saga in 2015, and strengthened its disaster response activities focusing on Kyushu which is prone to natural disasters. Civic Force has worked with local municipalities and other organizations to maintain an efficient coordination mechanism to deliver assistance as quickly as possible. For SAGA Ukeire Network, Civic Force coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, and businesses, provided items from its stockpile, and transported distribution items. 

Neki says “We would like the people who came to Saga to feel safe living here. As the war goes on, it is getting harder to receive donations as the public’s interest moves on, however, Saga Prefecture has not forgotten those people in need.  More than 100 million people around the world are forced to evacuate their homes. We hope that we can extend this support system beyond the people from Ukraine but also those from other countries.

The Network’s name “SAGA Ukeire Network” intentionally omits “Ukraine”, thinking this system could be used for refugees from different countries. In Saga, aid organizations gather monthly to discuss better assistance activities. They hope to continue exploring options to become a place of hope for those who wish to come and live in Japan.