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The ATC stands with Ukraine

Together with the UK Government and the EU, the Association of Translation Companies stands with Ukraine and its people, and condemns Russia’s act of aggression against Ukraine.

The ATC’s CEO Raisa McNab comments, “Today, our industry colleagues in Ukraine are fighting for their families and their country. Our colleagues in neighbouring countries and beyond are sheltering Ukrainian refugees, the women and children fleeing from war. Colleagues across Europe are providing round-the-clock pro bono translation and interpreting support and financial help through grass-roots movements and NGOs. And our colleagues in Russia are horrified at what’s happening. Now is the time for us to stand together, against violence.”

Ruth Partington, the ATC’s Chair says, “Translators and interpreters, and the whole language services industry, exist to enable people and businesses to communicate across cultures, borders, and across divides. This work of ours will not stop but continues through conflict and war. We must condemn Russia’s aggression, as we must condemn all aggressors, and support all those who are affected as best we can. The price of war is suffering, on all sides of the conflict and beyond it.”

How can I help?

NGOs across the UK such as the British Red Cross and UNICEF have dedicated donation channels to support Ukrainian people.

Local grass-roots organisations and volunteers are collecting non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products, clothes and warm bedding to deliver to Ukraine, with information shared via social media platforms such as Facebook.

Translators and interpreters are donating their time and expertise to support refugees: Translators for Ukraine is led by Polish associations of translators and interpreters, and FIT Europe is coordinating language support amongst its members. The ATC is also reaching out to see how best we could support this important work.

How will the crisis affect business?

The conflict affects business across Europe, either directly or indirectly.

The lives and businesses of Ukrainian language service companies, technology companies, and professional linguists are disrupted. Contact your service providers and suppliers in Ukraine to understand their situation, how you can support them, and what implications the conflict will have on your collaboration in the short and medium term.

Sanctions against Russia will also affect language services, most prominently the ban of certain Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT, which will severely disrupt payments to and from Russia.

In the UK, organisations such as the Institute of Export & International Trade provide information to businesses on the effects of sanctions to international trade.

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