Japanese composer Yoshiki Hayashi, leader of both X Japan and the international rock band THE LAST ROCKSTARS, announced today that he is making a new donation of 10 million Japanese yen (roughly 71,000 US Dollars) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), bringing the total amount he has donated so far to 20 million Yen.  

This donation will enable IOM to further assist all those affected by the war in Ukraine and will directly support emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. 

“It’s hard to celebrate the holidays when I know that there are people suffering,” Yoshiki said. “I hope that this gift will support people in need and that this giving movement will continue to spread and inspire others to help. I’m praying for all the people affected by the war and hope that this donation will help as much as possible.” 

This donation follows the previous JPY 10 million contribution he made to IOM’s Ukraine relief efforts on his birthday last month, which sparked an influx of donations from his fans, as well as his February 2022 donation of JPY 10 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. 

With this new donation, Yoshiki hopes to support the International Organization for Migration in ensuring the orderly and humane management of migration by providing urgent humanitarian assistance to all those in need, including refugees and internally displaced people fleeing the war in Ukraine.  

Millions of people in and around Ukraine have been displaced and are facing freezing temperatures this holiday season after being forced to flee their homes. Many are taking shelter in damaged buildings and have limited access to food, electricity, and heating. 

“I have heard stories of human suffering, of the pain of people who have lost everything they had due to the war in Ukraine,” said IOM Director General António Vitorino. “I have also seen their enormous strength, their will and determination to overcome adversity. They need our help, and thanks to contributions like this, IOM can continue to assist those severely impacted by the war.” 

Winterization support remains a high priority for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) across Ukraine and in other countries hosting refugees and other displaced people.  

In Ukraine, IOM is currently supporting those in need through the distribution of basic goods, light repairs, cash, and prepositioning of items to provide uninterrupted assistance throughout the winter season.  

IOM is working in close collaboration with the Ukrainian government, local partners, and the international community to address the urgent needs of those affected, including in newly accessible and heavily impacted areas such Mykoliav and Kharkiv.  

In host countries, IOM works with governments and civil societies to continue delivering its support to all those affected, tailoring its response to the different needs and challenges on the ground. 

To support emergency relief in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, please visit IOM's fundraising page. 

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For more information, please contact: 

Varvara Zhluktenko, vzhluktenko@iom.int 

Safa Msehli, smsehli@iom.int