Latest
Press Release
20 August 2024
Ukrainian pensioners received 2 billion hryvnias from the UN World Food Programme
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Press Release
20 August 2024
ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS MUST STOP
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Story
20 August 2024
As hostilities in the Sumy Region escalate, aid workers provide vital support and renew hope for those affected
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Ukraine
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ukraine:
Publication
15 April 2024
Annual Recovery Results Report 2023 - United Nations in Ukraine
- Foreword by the Resident Coordinator - In the third year of the full-scale Russia’s invasion, the
scourge of war is still bringing untold suffering and sorrow
to the people of Ukraine. The invasion, launched in violation
of the UN Charter and international law, has left thousands
of civilians killed and injured, caused massive destruction of
infrastructure, including hundreds of thousands of homes,
hospitals and schools, and deeply traumatized people regardless
of proximity to the front line. The war has shattered
the Ukrainian economy; rolling back development gains
made over the past years and plunging nearly 25 per cent
of people into poverty.The people of Ukraine are taking upon themselves the
monumental task to recover from the devastation caused
by the invasion. With remarkable and inspiring determination,
and no matter if they are close to the front line or in
communities where they have found safety and security,
Ukrainians are supporting one another to ensure their
communities are functioning, small shops are running,
schools are repaired and rebuilt with shelters so children
can attend in-person, hospitals and clinics reconstructed,
roads and bridges repaired and agricultural land and critical
and social infrastructure demined.The UN, the humanitarian community and our development
partners continue to work non-stop to ensure people enduring
the horrors of the war receive the support they need to
address their most immediate needs and also create the
conditions for their recovery. In 2023, more than 11 million
people received life-saving humanitarian assistance. This
achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts
of over 500 organizations – nearly 70 per cent of them
Ukrainian NGOs - our close collaboration with the authorities,
and the timely support of our donors.We have also scaled up our efforts to support recovery, with
more and more activities that provide people with durable
solutions and ensure they can get back on their feet. The UN
made significant contributions to Ukraine’s journey towards
a prosperous future: supporting strong data collection and
analysis to inform recovery priorities – including the third
Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) and the
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Kakhovka
Dam’s destruction; creating platforms to engage communities
in the decision-making and forums to bring together
Government, donors and civil society; supporting small
businesses; repairing vital infrastructure; and contributing
to demining efforts and beyond.The UN –our 3,000 employees and 24 agencies – is determined
to continue supporting the Government’s recovery
priorities with investments in Ukraine’s communities, human
capital and national systems, and ensure recovery takes
into consideration the specific needs of women, people
with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Despite the progress, these efforts are not enough to stop
the suffering and devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The world – and the international
community – cannot accept war as the new reality. Living
under constant bombardment, constant fear, is not normal.
For this reason, war as a state of existence for people in
Ukraine, must not be normalized. Every effort must continue
towards a just peace in line with the UN Charter.
Denise Brown
Resident Coordinator
United Nations in Ukraine
scourge of war is still bringing untold suffering and sorrow
to the people of Ukraine. The invasion, launched in violation
of the UN Charter and international law, has left thousands
of civilians killed and injured, caused massive destruction of
infrastructure, including hundreds of thousands of homes,
hospitals and schools, and deeply traumatized people regardless
of proximity to the front line. The war has shattered
the Ukrainian economy; rolling back development gains
made over the past years and plunging nearly 25 per cent
of people into poverty.The people of Ukraine are taking upon themselves the
monumental task to recover from the devastation caused
by the invasion. With remarkable and inspiring determination,
and no matter if they are close to the front line or in
communities where they have found safety and security,
Ukrainians are supporting one another to ensure their
communities are functioning, small shops are running,
schools are repaired and rebuilt with shelters so children
can attend in-person, hospitals and clinics reconstructed,
roads and bridges repaired and agricultural land and critical
and social infrastructure demined.The UN, the humanitarian community and our development
partners continue to work non-stop to ensure people enduring
the horrors of the war receive the support they need to
address their most immediate needs and also create the
conditions for their recovery. In 2023, more than 11 million
people received life-saving humanitarian assistance. This
achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts
of over 500 organizations – nearly 70 per cent of them
Ukrainian NGOs - our close collaboration with the authorities,
and the timely support of our donors.We have also scaled up our efforts to support recovery, with
more and more activities that provide people with durable
solutions and ensure they can get back on their feet. The UN
made significant contributions to Ukraine’s journey towards
a prosperous future: supporting strong data collection and
analysis to inform recovery priorities – including the third
Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) and the
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Kakhovka
Dam’s destruction; creating platforms to engage communities
in the decision-making and forums to bring together
Government, donors and civil society; supporting small
businesses; repairing vital infrastructure; and contributing
to demining efforts and beyond.The UN –our 3,000 employees and 24 agencies – is determined
to continue supporting the Government’s recovery
priorities with investments in Ukraine’s communities, human
capital and national systems, and ensure recovery takes
into consideration the specific needs of women, people
with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Despite the progress, these efforts are not enough to stop
the suffering and devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The world – and the international
community – cannot accept war as the new reality. Living
under constant bombardment, constant fear, is not normal.
For this reason, war as a state of existence for people in
Ukraine, must not be normalized. Every effort must continue
towards a just peace in line with the UN Charter.
Denise Brown
Resident Coordinator
United Nations in Ukraine
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Press Release
25 July 2024
OLENIVKA: TWO YEARS SINCE THE DEADLY STRIKE THAT KILLED DOZENS OF UKRAINIAN POWS, A CONTINUED CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Prisoners of war are protected under international humanitarian law which requires their humane treatment and obligates the Detaining Power to ensure their safety. Deaths or serious injuries of POWs must be followed by an official and thorough inquiry by the Detaining Power. Any suspicion of criminal conduct must be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, and transparently investigated, and those responsible must be prosecuted.Despite these obligations, the authorities of the Russian Federation took steps that impeded independent efforts to establish the facts about the explosions at Olenivka. The scene was not preserved but was instead contaminated, with physical evidence disturbed. The Russian Federation did not allow access to UN monitors, nor were any other independent expert analyses conducted. Instead, the Russian authorities declared that the strike was carried out with HIMARS rockets launched by Ukrainian armed forces.Based on interviews with more than 50 witnesses and survivors, as well as analysis of video and photographic footage, the UN Human Rights Office concluded last year that the explosions were not caused by HIMARS rockets launched by Ukrainian armed forces. While the precise type of weapon and its point of origin could not be determined, the pattern of structural damage appeared consistent with a projected ordnance having travelled on an east-to-west trajectory.The lack of accountability for the deaths and injuries at the penal colony in Olenivka fits into the broader context of widespread and routine torture of Ukrainian POWs. The Russian authorities continue to subject POWs to deplorable conditions of detention, deprive them of healthcare, and allow limited or no contact with family and the outside world.The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine continues to interview Ukrainian POWs upon their return to Ukraine, and their families and reiterates its calls for truth and accountability in line with fundamental principles of international humanitarian and human rights law.UN Human Rights Office reported on Olenivka here:Treatment of prisoners of war and persons hors de combat in the context of the armed attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, 24 February 2022 – 23 February 2023 [24 March 2023] Paragraphs 72-76.Report on the Human Rights Situation in Ukraine, 1 February – 31 July 2023 [4 October 2023] Paragraphs 82-90.
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Press Release
03 July 2024
UN General Assembly President, Mr. Dennis Francis, Completes Official Visit to Ukraine
While in Kyiv, the President of the General Assembly met with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and H.E. Mr. Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. He held separate bilateral engagements with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Ruslan Stefanchuk; the Prime Minister of Ukraine, H.E. Denys Shmyhal; and Ombudsperson of Ukraine, Mr. Dmytro Lubinets.Throughout his discussions the PGA stressed that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter and reiterated the UN General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The PGA commended efforts to advance peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the recent Summit on Peace in Ukraine would bring further progress in the near future.While in Kyiv, the PGA visited the formerly occupied territories of Borodyanka and Bucha, where he engaged with residents and learned first-hand about the destruction of schools, homes and critical infrastructure. While in Bucha, he visited the Church of Saint Andrew and participated in a candle-lighting ceremony, paying tribute to those who lost their lives. The UN has worked closely with the Government, local authorities and international partners to rebuild from the destruction.“I would like to think the darkest of the night is behind Ukraine, not ahead of it […] Your remarkable success thus far has inspired not just the General Assembly, but people around the world,” he said. In addition, the PGA participated in a lecture at Mariupol State University, currently based in Kyiv, where he engaged with students from three temporarily occupied regions studying law, political science, business and sociology. He also held a roundtable discussion with the UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Ms. Denise Brown, and the UN Country Team representatives.Throughout his engagements, President Francis underscored the need for the international community to continue providing much-needed support to Ukraine, particularly to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The PGA used the opportunity to better understand the situation on the ground, as well as the urgent needs of civilians and humanitarian support groups. The PGA’s delegation included his Chef de Cabinet, a Senior Adviser on Peace and Security, and a Communications Adviser.Travel costs for the visit were covered by the Regular Budget and the OPGA Trust Fund. * *** *For media inquiries and further information, please contact:Katherine Stephan, Communications Adviser, travelling with the delegation: + 1 917 242-6186Carolina Nazzaro, Media Relations Adviser: [email protected]; + 1 917 892-2751 * *** *PGA’s Website: https://www.un.org/pga/78/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@unpga78X (Twitter): www.twitter.com/UN_PGAInstagram: www.instagram.com/unpgaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/un-pga78/
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Press Release
28 February 2024
Russian Federation’s decade-long occupation of Crimea marked by widespread violations
In a report issued today, HRMMU said the Russian Federation has unlawfully imposed its citizenship, laws, and institutions on Crimea’s population across all spheres of life, suppressing opposition and dissent. The report cites examples of steps taken by the Russian Federation to restrict the civic space and limit fundamental freedoms. Crimean Tatar leaders, perceived as opposing the occupation of Crimea or the Russian Federation policies, were among those particularly affected by the measures. While Crimean Tatars, who fled the peninsula in the wake of the illegal annexation, have been barred from returning to their homeland, many Russians have been resettled in Crimea, in an apparent attempt to change the peninsula’s demographic structure. Large-scale expropriations of public and private property have been implemented without compensation or regard for international law.“Over the past decade, we have documented efforts by the Russian Federation to impose the Russian language, culture, and institutional framework on Crimea while at the same time taking actions to erase the peninsula’s rich cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage,” said the head of HRMMU, Danielle Bell.The report says opposition to the efforts by the Russian Federation to consolidate its hold on Crimea has been met with harsh reprisals. Individuals who opposed or challenged the occupation were subjected to human rights violations, including enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment. HRMMU says it documented 104 cases of enforced disappearance and 55 cases of torture affecting pro-Ukrainian activists, journalists and Crimean Tatars.The occupying authorities in Crimea have suppressed freedom of expression, including the expressions of minority cultures and identities, and severely curtailed the freedom of religion of minority groups, particularly those opposing official narratives, the report said.“Our findings on the human rights situation in Crimea, which has endured Russian occupation for more than a decade now, are not only alarming but they are also a grim harbinger of the devastating and lasting impact Russian occupation may have on other occupied regions of Ukraine,” said Bell.
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Story
05 July 2024
Ukraine's Kharkiv transit centre: Finding comfort after fleeing home
By Viktoriia Andriievska and Tanya Lyubimova Evacuees and aid workers at the centre share their stories. Valentyna: Leaving everything behindValentyna, 65, arrived at the transit centre from Okhrymivka village, located just 4 km from the border. She and her daughter fled in a car arranged by a family friend. "Those were terrible days when we had to hide in the basement of our house because of the constant bombardments," she recalled. "We left in a rush with only a small bag of things. Now we have to get everything, from toothbrushes to clothes." Fighting back tears, Valentyna spoke about what they had to leave behind. "We had a house and a well-maintained garden where we grew our own vegetables. That helped us to get by. Leaving this all behind, knowing my friends and extended family are still there, is truly the hardest thing," she said. Their friend found them a modest apartment in Kharkiv City. At the transit centre, Valentyna registered for cash assistance and received aid, including bedding and basic household items. Humanitarian response in Kharkiv City Since 10 May, nearly 50 humanitarian organizations have collaborated to support evacuations and provide assistance at the transit centre and temporary accommodation sites. After months of hostilities, many people, particularly older people and those with disabilities, have depleted almost all their resources. “People were evacuated, with the support of aid organizations, and some arrived using their own means,” explained Iryna, an aid worker from the Relief Coordination Centre. She joined the team last year after her husband, a volunteer in the Kharkiv Region, was killed during evacuations in the Kupiansk district. “At the transit centre, people receive food, water, clothes, mattresses, bedding, household items, hygiene and other things they need,” she added. Humanitarian partners also provide access to psychosocial support and legal assistance, including housing, land and property as compensation for damaged and destroyed property. Organizations conduct on-site referrals and case management when needed. Yaroslav, from the non-governmental organization (NGO) FHI360, said: “Many people who come here are older people. Some people have been displaced more than once. They are under a lot of stress; some are severely traumatized or have panic attacks.” Psychologists are available at the centre from morning until night to provide support. Humanitarian partners also help out at Kharkiv’s railway station, referring people who fled by their own means and may need support. Multipurpose cash assistance Cash is one of the most requested types of assistance at the transit centre.Anatolii, an aid worker from the NGO Right to Protection, explained: “In a humanitarian context like in Ukraine, cash is usually the preferred option because people fleeing homes have different needs. This cash means they can buy the things they most need. For some people it may be clothes or food; for others, medicines.” The nearly 5,000 people who registered for cash assistance between 10 and 30 May typically received the money within a week. The humanitarian multipurpose cash assistance programme in Ukraine is one of the world’s largest, involving almost 50 humanitarian organizations. Since February 2022, partners have provided multipurpose cash support to more than 10 million people. Feeling safe and protected in a temporary shelter “Most of the people who evacuated have found shelter in the homes of their relatives and friends,” said Iryna. “Those who had nowhere to go have been housed in collective centres set up in dormitories and other available premises fit to serve as temporary accommodation.” Since mid-May, nearly 1,000 people, including more than 70 children and 140 people with limited mobility, have been accommodated in 46 collective centres in and around Kharkiv City. At these centres, people receive food packages, hot meals, water, hygiene and household supplies, cash assistance, medical care and mental health support. Aid workers monitor the sites and arrange the necessary assistance. “All the hygiene supplies – everything we need – is in these boxes, clothes as well. Even some colourful hairpins!” said Tamara. She and her husband, Nikolay, secured a family room in a collective centre after their home in Slobozhanske was damaged by four attacks and left in ruins. Vita, a Ukrainian Red Cross volunteer from Vovchansk, noted: “The needs are growing as more and more people arrive.” She fled with her family in the first days of the evacuations and now dedicates all her time to supporting others. “I will continue as long as it’s needed. These are my people and they need help.”
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Story
20 August 2024
As hostilities in the Sumy Region escalate, aid workers provide vital support and renew hope for those affected
By Lyudmyla Malyuk, Viktoriia Andriievska, UkraineIntensified fighting damage homes and hospitals The humanitarian needs of thousands of residents, who had begun to restore their previously affected communities, saw a reversal in the progress made.Among the devastation was a residential building that was home to some 30 families, many with young children, which was hit on 11 August. The building had been repaired by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) about a year ago after it had been damaged in a previous attack. "It is such a pity we have not had the time to enjoy it fully," said Anna, one of the residents. "The roof is damaged again, and we fear the coming winter colds. Our only hope is the humanitarian organizations who have helped us before. Thankfully, they have not forgotten about us: they arrived to assess the damage the day after the attack."
Attacks also continue to affect critical medical facilities. On 13 August, a blast wave from a nearby strike damaged the roof and entrance of the Sumy Cardiology Hospital. Shrapnel littered the premises, putting at risk the new equipment recently provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) only days before the attack. "This equipment is a tool of peace and healing, and shrapnel is a tool of war and destruction," said the Hospital Director, Oleksandr Rusanov.
Many Sumy residents are concerned about ongoing attacks and the coming winter. As many people continue to be displaced, very little time is left to prepare homes before the cold sets in.
People are forced to leave their homes in border communities due to violenceFront-line villages and towns in the Sumy Region, close to the border with the Russian Federation, continue to suffer from ongoing violence, forcing residents to flee for safety as humanitarians work to provide support. "We would no longer be alive if it were not for Andrii [from Proliska Mission]," said Tetiana, a resident of Loknia Village in the Yunakivka Community, which has been heavily bombarded in the past week. Humanitarian Mission Proliska, an NGO active in the region, jointly with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, helped Tetiana and her family, including a bedridden grandmother, to evacuate to Sumy City. The family's story highlights the profound loss that so many are experiencing. "We don't have a house. Like many in our village, it has been destroyed. Where my brother's home once stood, it is now just a hole in the ground," Tetiana said.
Humanitarians join efforts with local authorities to help recently displaced peopleMany families, like Tetiana's, come to one of the two transit centres in Sumy City, operated by NGO Pluriton in coordination with local authorities. The centres have seen an increase in evacuees since the escalation of hostilities on 6 August. Some come through organized evacuations, while others arrive on their own, hoping for a brief respite before moving on. Since 6 August, some 2,000 people, including children, have received assistance in the centres, which are supported by UN agencies as well as national and international organizations. Evacuees receive immediate support and register for cash assistance, which allows them to buy what they need. Many flee with just a backpack, leaving everything else behind. Many people also need assistance with documentation, and the NGO Right to Protection helps restore crucial identity papers. Children and older people are most affected by acute trauma from violence and displacementPsycho-social support is one of the most pressing needs at the centre. The trauma of war is palpable, especially among children. As one of Pluriton's psychologists who works with families says, children feel their parents' anxiety. Loud noises often trigger immediate tension, causing them to glance around nervously, looking for their parents.Pluriton, with the support of UNICEF and Polish Humanitarian Action, provides psychological support to both adults and children at the transit centres. They set up a child-friendly space where children can engage in art activities and play. This helps them to start working through the trauma of having had to leave their homes and all they know under dangerous circumstances. A young girl told a psychologist that she was very sorry to leave behind her favourite cup at home. "We had just finished renovating our home. I helped my parents with everything. I even had a favourite cup. I'm so sad we couldn't bring it with us."The decision to leave is also heart-wrenching for older people. Valentina from Yunakivka was forced to abandon her farm after repeated attacks, which left her village without power and water. She recalls the agony of leaving her home, her animals and the life she had built. "I stayed as long as possible, but it became terrifying. War is a war," she said, holding back tears."We just want peace, a peaceful sky above and our home," Valentina said softly, echoing the wish of countless others who the violence has displaced. Until then, humanitarians stand ready to provide the support that is so desperately needed.
Attacks also continue to affect critical medical facilities. On 13 August, a blast wave from a nearby strike damaged the roof and entrance of the Sumy Cardiology Hospital. Shrapnel littered the premises, putting at risk the new equipment recently provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) only days before the attack. "This equipment is a tool of peace and healing, and shrapnel is a tool of war and destruction," said the Hospital Director, Oleksandr Rusanov.
Many Sumy residents are concerned about ongoing attacks and the coming winter. As many people continue to be displaced, very little time is left to prepare homes before the cold sets in.
People are forced to leave their homes in border communities due to violenceFront-line villages and towns in the Sumy Region, close to the border with the Russian Federation, continue to suffer from ongoing violence, forcing residents to flee for safety as humanitarians work to provide support. "We would no longer be alive if it were not for Andrii [from Proliska Mission]," said Tetiana, a resident of Loknia Village in the Yunakivka Community, which has been heavily bombarded in the past week. Humanitarian Mission Proliska, an NGO active in the region, jointly with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, helped Tetiana and her family, including a bedridden grandmother, to evacuate to Sumy City. The family's story highlights the profound loss that so many are experiencing. "We don't have a house. Like many in our village, it has been destroyed. Where my brother's home once stood, it is now just a hole in the ground," Tetiana said.
Humanitarians join efforts with local authorities to help recently displaced peopleMany families, like Tetiana's, come to one of the two transit centres in Sumy City, operated by NGO Pluriton in coordination with local authorities. The centres have seen an increase in evacuees since the escalation of hostilities on 6 August. Some come through organized evacuations, while others arrive on their own, hoping for a brief respite before moving on. Since 6 August, some 2,000 people, including children, have received assistance in the centres, which are supported by UN agencies as well as national and international organizations. Evacuees receive immediate support and register for cash assistance, which allows them to buy what they need. Many flee with just a backpack, leaving everything else behind. Many people also need assistance with documentation, and the NGO Right to Protection helps restore crucial identity papers. Children and older people are most affected by acute trauma from violence and displacementPsycho-social support is one of the most pressing needs at the centre. The trauma of war is palpable, especially among children. As one of Pluriton's psychologists who works with families says, children feel their parents' anxiety. Loud noises often trigger immediate tension, causing them to glance around nervously, looking for their parents.Pluriton, with the support of UNICEF and Polish Humanitarian Action, provides psychological support to both adults and children at the transit centres. They set up a child-friendly space where children can engage in art activities and play. This helps them to start working through the trauma of having had to leave their homes and all they know under dangerous circumstances. A young girl told a psychologist that she was very sorry to leave behind her favourite cup at home. "We had just finished renovating our home. I helped my parents with everything. I even had a favourite cup. I'm so sad we couldn't bring it with us."The decision to leave is also heart-wrenching for older people. Valentina from Yunakivka was forced to abandon her farm after repeated attacks, which left her village without power and water. She recalls the agony of leaving her home, her animals and the life she had built. "I stayed as long as possible, but it became terrifying. War is a war," she said, holding back tears."We just want peace, a peaceful sky above and our home," Valentina said softly, echoing the wish of countless others who the violence has displaced. Until then, humanitarians stand ready to provide the support that is so desperately needed.
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Story
18 August 2024
Act For Humanity
This year’s theme for World Humanitarian Day (WHD), 19 August, underscores the critical importance of respecting international humanitarian law (IHL), which requires the protection of civilians and the humanitarian workers who assist them during war. WHD features a global call to #ActForHumanity and protect civilians, which resonates strongly with the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. IHL is clear on the obligations to protect civilians, but millions of people bear the brunt of the violence every day as the war continues. The humanitarian community in Ukraine organized a photo exhibition that portrays the war’s devastating impact on civilians and humanitarian workers operating near the front line. Here, we feature a selection of these images.More than 2 million homes have been damaged or destroyed across Ukraine. "I was away when my house was destroyed," says Valentyna, a teacher from Kyselivka village who now works online. Unable to repair her home, Valentyna converted her animal shed into living quarters. Aid workers provided her with emergency cash to purchase a door, windows, roofing and construction materials, basic furniture and household items.According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, the homes of more than 2 million families have been damaged or destroyed across Ukraine due to continued attacks since February 2022.
Health-care facilities have suffered almost 2,000 attacks since 24 February 2022. "Just a day before our maternity care centre was hit, I had been there helping a woman deliver her baby. The next day, our centre was destroyed," says Iryna, the centre’s Director. She is devastated that a modern and bustling facility is now in ruins. The war is having an enormous impact on health care in Ukraine. The World Health Organization has verified 1,920 attacks on health care since 24 February 2022, resulting in 161 deaths and 498 injuries as of 13 August 2024. The most recent incidents include a missile strike that destroyed the Ohmatdyt National Children's Hospital, and attacks that damaged health facilities in Kyiv.The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. "Of 11 schools in our town, 6 have been destroyed," says Olesia, an elementary school teacher from the Kharkiv Region. Her classroom is now in ruins. The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. The Ukrainian government reports that some 4,000 educational institutions have been damaged and 365 destroyed.Aid workers often operate in areas where conditions are perilous and needs are most acute. The war continues to disrupt and destroy lives and exacerbate humanitarian needs across Ukraine. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Ukraine, 14.6 million people, including 3.2 million children, urgently require humanitarian assistance. Local aid workers are at the forefront of the response. Their efforts are critical in reaching people most in need, especially in areas along the front line, where people have little to no capacity to provide for themselves.These dedicated people risk their lives daily while their own families grapple with the impact of the war.Globally, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and tragically, 2024 is on track to be even worse. In Ukraine, since February 2022, at least 25 aid workers have been killed, and 66 have been injured. “I will continue as long as it’s needed, because people need help,” says Iryna. She works day and night to support people displaced by the intensified hostilities that took place in the Kharkiv Region in May 2024. She joined a local humanitarian organization last year following the death of her husband. He was a front-line response volunteer killed during an aid distribution. The international community’s support is vital in responding to people’s needs, but it is not enough. Protecting civilians and aid workers must be a priority. IHL is clear: civilians must be protected. The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals, schools and humanitarian facilities, is a serious violation of international law. World leaders must not forget the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, they must not normalize the war, and they must increase efforts to ensure that civilians are protected, humanitarian aid is provided and, ultimately, a path to lasting peace is in place.
FootnotesThe images featured in this story are part of a photo exhibition at the Kyiv Architect’s House, 7 Hrinchenka Street, Kyiv and online. The exhibition runs until 1 September 2024. Text by Viktoriia Andriievska and Tanya Lyubimova, edited by Nina Doyle.
Health-care facilities have suffered almost 2,000 attacks since 24 February 2022. "Just a day before our maternity care centre was hit, I had been there helping a woman deliver her baby. The next day, our centre was destroyed," says Iryna, the centre’s Director. She is devastated that a modern and bustling facility is now in ruins. The war is having an enormous impact on health care in Ukraine. The World Health Organization has verified 1,920 attacks on health care since 24 February 2022, resulting in 161 deaths and 498 injuries as of 13 August 2024. The most recent incidents include a missile strike that destroyed the Ohmatdyt National Children's Hospital, and attacks that damaged health facilities in Kyiv.The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. "Of 11 schools in our town, 6 have been destroyed," says Olesia, an elementary school teacher from the Kharkiv Region. Her classroom is now in ruins. The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. The Ukrainian government reports that some 4,000 educational institutions have been damaged and 365 destroyed.Aid workers often operate in areas where conditions are perilous and needs are most acute. The war continues to disrupt and destroy lives and exacerbate humanitarian needs across Ukraine. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Ukraine, 14.6 million people, including 3.2 million children, urgently require humanitarian assistance. Local aid workers are at the forefront of the response. Their efforts are critical in reaching people most in need, especially in areas along the front line, where people have little to no capacity to provide for themselves.These dedicated people risk their lives daily while their own families grapple with the impact of the war.Globally, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and tragically, 2024 is on track to be even worse. In Ukraine, since February 2022, at least 25 aid workers have been killed, and 66 have been injured. “I will continue as long as it’s needed, because people need help,” says Iryna. She works day and night to support people displaced by the intensified hostilities that took place in the Kharkiv Region in May 2024. She joined a local humanitarian organization last year following the death of her husband. He was a front-line response volunteer killed during an aid distribution. The international community’s support is vital in responding to people’s needs, but it is not enough. Protecting civilians and aid workers must be a priority. IHL is clear: civilians must be protected. The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals, schools and humanitarian facilities, is a serious violation of international law. World leaders must not forget the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, they must not normalize the war, and they must increase efforts to ensure that civilians are protected, humanitarian aid is provided and, ultimately, a path to lasting peace is in place.
FootnotesThe images featured in this story are part of a photo exhibition at the Kyiv Architect’s House, 7 Hrinchenka Street, Kyiv and online. The exhibition runs until 1 September 2024. Text by Viktoriia Andriievska and Tanya Lyubimova, edited by Nina Doyle.
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Story
31 July 2024
Supporting resilience in Ukraine's Mykolaiv City
More than two years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation for many communities across the country remains incredibly challenging. Relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure and services – including health, education and energy facilities – have left communities grappling with regular blackouts, faltering water supply and the prospect of a harsh winter.For Mykolaiv City, besieged in 2022 and left without its main source of freshwater since the early months of the invasion, these challenges are extremely acute. Recovery efforts are hindered by constant further threats.“The major factor here is that we face aerial attacks. We’ve had them before and we can’t rule out new ones,” says Mykola Lohvinov, Director of Mykolaivoblteplo-energo, the municipal heating company.To help safeguard critical heat generation capabilities during the cold winter months, UNOPS recently delivered six multi-fuel mobile boiler houses to Mykolaiv City’s heating company. These units are capable of being moved around the city and connected to the grid where capacity is lost due to attacks or breakdowns – providing a crucial backup for heat generation. UNOPS provided similar units in 2023. “These boiler houses can be moved around and redeployed, ensuring uninterrupted heating for Mykolaiv’s citizens,” explains Mykola. “The war continues, but we have always recognized that Ukraine’s recovery could not wait and had to begin as soon as possible,” explains Simon Porter, Director a.i. of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Ukraine. “Through our partnership with Denmark in Mykolaiv we are helping put in place the foundations of a better future while addressing the challenges of today,” adds Simon Porter.Recognizing ongoing needs, the Danish government has extended the work under this partnership through to mid-2025, allocating an additional $4.4 million for the procurement of equipment and supplies.The delivery of mobile boiler houses marks another milestone in the ongoing cooperation between UNOPS and the government of Denmark, which has provided over $17 million in assistance to Mykolaiv and the surrounding region.“We want the people of Mykolaiv to achieve a new standard of living and enjoy a comfortable life here,” says Jakob Torrild Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv.Through this partnership, UNOPS has been working to address critical needs in Mykolaiv and the surrounding region since late 2022. This has included delivering generators to power essential municipal sites, mobile heating units to keep hospitals and schools warm, city buses, utility vehicles, fire extinguishing equipment, and water supply solutions – all aimed at maintaining essential community systems.Beyond the procurement of essential equipment and supplies, UNOPS is also implementing a comprehensive community restoration project in Mykolaiv, together with the government of Denmark and local partners. This project covers repairs to residential buildings, common areas and schools. It aims to reinvigorate Mykolaiv's neighbourhoods by ensuring people have safe homes, while creating employment opportunities and improving access to education.
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Story
04 July 2024
Explore the interactive dashboard on the UN's recovery programmes in Ukraine
Explore our UN Ukraine Recovery Dashboard!This interactive dashboard provides detailed insights into our recovery programmes and funding.
The UN provides crucial support to people, communities, and institutions to strengthen systems and foster resilience, essential for the country's recovery from the devastation caused by the war. This includes focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure reconstruction, mine action, housing, livelihoods, energy, health, education, social protection, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to our approach. We are dedicated to making data accessible to all stakeholders through this interactive tool. [powerbi:https://data.uninfo.org/Home/_UkraineUNCT]
The UN provides crucial support to people, communities, and institutions to strengthen systems and foster resilience, essential for the country's recovery from the devastation caused by the war. This includes focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure reconstruction, mine action, housing, livelihoods, energy, health, education, social protection, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to our approach. We are dedicated to making data accessible to all stakeholders through this interactive tool. [powerbi:https://data.uninfo.org/Home/_UkraineUNCT]
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Story
06 June 2024
Kakhovka Dam destruction, one year on
One year ago today, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam unleashed a devastating flooding that left over 620 square kilometres of the Ukrainian territory under water. This was possibly one of the most significant incidents of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The destruction claimed lives, forced thousands to flee, left thousands more stranded and laid waste to Ukrainian land and livelihoods on both sides of the front line The Kakhovka reservoir, the primary source of drinking water for over 700,000 people in southern Ukraine, was depleted. The catastrophic environmental effects of the flooding will linger for years to come, affecting not only Ukraine.The UN responseThe UN response was swift and continues today. Regrettably, denials from the Russian Federation prevented the UN from reaching people in Russian-occupied areas.In areas under Ukrainian control, the response began on day one. The UN and its partners rushed to provide people with desperately-needed water, food, health care, cash and protection and transport services, reaching close to 200,000 people in just a few days. Despite tremendous challenges, in June 2023 alone, the UN delivered approximately 20 inter-agency convoys bringing almost 80 truckloads of vital items to thousands of people affected by the disaster, in addition to the regular assistance provided separately by UN agencies and NGOs. Some supplies were delivered by boats and amphibious trucks, ensuring aid would reach people stranded by the flooding. Water, food, health and cash assistance to people impacted by the disasterThe UN and humanitarian organizations delivered around 20 million litres of bottled and trucked potable water, supported nearly 70 local water enterprises to ensure supply, supporting the drilling of boreholes for water production, including by delivering pumps, tap stands, water treatment units and water storage provided. Cash assistance was provided to nearly 40,000 people, while over 200,000 rations of ready-to-eat food were distributed in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Health assistance was also a priority, with mobile teams providing aid across the affected areas. The UN also supplied medical equipment, including emergency health kits, trauma kits, diagnostic tests, and treatments for acute watery diarrhoea, including cholera, sufficient to provide healthcare to nearly 38,000 people for three to six months.Nearly 65,000 emergency repair items and household supplies were distributed to people whose homes had been damaged in the Kherson region. From the earliest days of the disaster, Child Protection organizations reached over 14,000 people, including 7,300 children and over 6,600 caregivers, by deploying multidisciplinary mobile teams to the affected areas, providing mental health and psychosocial support, delivering essential supplies, and ensuring child protection case management and legal assistance.The response continues to ensure people can recover from this human-made catastropheThe UN response extends beyond the emergency phase and continues to support communities in southern Ukraine as they recover from yet another disaster caused by Russia’s invasion. This included supporting a Post Disaster Needs Assessment and an assessment on the environmental impact of the destruction to inform the ongoing response.In the following months, the UN and its partners repaired homes for hundreds of people and deployed nearly 200 health workers to southern Ukraine to ensure services would continue despite the destruction. Repairing and building alternative water sources became a priority, with mobile water treatment facilities deployed to the Kherson and Dnipro regions, water pumps sent to Nikopol, and efforts to increase the water supply from the Karachunivsky water complex, supporting 600,000 people in Krivy Rih City.
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Press Release
20 August 2024
Ukrainian pensioners received 2 billion hryvnias from the UN World Food Programme
Thanks to generous funding from Germany, the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, and private donors, WFP transferred more than UAH 2 billion (US$48.5 million) in the last twelve months to pensioners living in areas defined by the government as territories of active or possible hostilities. The programme was launched in August 2023 to provide cash assistance to vulnerable pensioners whose monthly pensions are below UAH 3,250 (US$81). People benefiting from this programme had not received any form of assistance since March 2023, such as living allowances for IDP, or cash assistance from international organizations. They receive a monthly cash top-up equal to the difference between their current pension and UAH 3,250. The programme is active until the end of the year."We actively cooperate with international partners to provide support to Ukrainians who need it most in conditions of limited financial resources. The joint project with the UN WFP has become a successful example of such synergy. Thanks to this project, it became possible to provide assistance to the most vulnerable elderly Ukrainians, who did not have the opportunity to apply for it on their own," said First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Daria Marchak.“We know that Ukraine had strong social assistance systems in place before the war, and this project is a prime example of how we can build on them in this difficult time to support the most vulnerable,” said Richard Ragan, WFP Country Director in Ukraine. “It's not only cost-efficient for us, but also very convenient for old-age pensioners to receive the assistance they need without applying for it or submitting documentation,” Ragan added.Cash assistance is one of many ways WFP supports Ukrainians affected by the war. WFP also distributes food boxes in areas closest to the frontline, where food is hard to find or very expensive, supports daily hot meals for 90,000 schoolchildren across the country, and helps small farmers and rural families resume agricultural work safely by surveying land and clearing remnants of war in the Kharkiv region. WFP also chartered 25 vessels to export Ukrainian grain to countries in need through the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the President’s Grain From Ukraine Initiative.For more information please contact: Nataliia Nychai, WFP/Kyiv, +380 664493921, [email protected]Antoine Vallas, WFP/Kyiv, +380 952501154, [email protected]
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Press Release
20 August 2024
ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS MUST STOP
I am alarmed by news from the Donetsk Region, where yet another attack by Russian Armed Forces damaged a transit centre in Pokrovsk Town where people already fleeing for safety had sought shelter. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian facilities, which are crucial for saving lives, are protected under international humanitarian law, which must be adhered to.
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Press Release
19 August 2024
A grim milestone on World Humanitarian Day: WHO records 1,940 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine since the start of full-scale war
Today, as we observe World Humanitarian Day, we aim to remind the world about one of the biggest ongoing emergencies in the WHO European Region with a grim milestone - 1940 WHO-confirmed attacks on healthcare— the highest number WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency globally to date. In addition, we are noting new patterns in the progression of the attacks.For over 2.5 years now, 86% of all such attacks have impacted health facilities, with a significant proportion of such attacks involving heavy weapons. Moreover, WHO-verified attacks on health facilities have intensified significantly since December 2023 – occurring on a near-daily basis. Access to health care for communities residing close to the frontlines has been largely constrained with increased risk of illness and death for populations living there as well as elsewhere. Since February 2022, on average, 200 ambulances per year are damaged or destroyed in shelling attacks. “In 2024, we are observing a lot of double-tap attacks,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. “Now we have more shelling of civilian infrastructure than before. We are losing colleagues - healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, paramedics. This year, many more healthcare workers have also been injured than before. According to WHO data, first responders and health transportation are three times more likely to suffer harm from attacks compared to the rest of the healthcare personnel.” “We are witnessing a blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of humanitarian law. The widespread attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure have made access to electricity, water, and heating an urgent priority. This war is affecting every person across Ukraine – including healthcare professionals and providers - in diverse and profound ways,” noted Dr Emanuele Bruni, WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) lead at WHO/Ukraine.The data clearly show an increase in casualty rates. Last year, 24 deaths among health workers and patients were documented, but during the first 7.5 months of 2024, a total of 34 people have died from attacks on healthcare. Furthermore, the level of injuries this year has not only exceeded the numbers reported in 2023, but also those of 2022, already amounting to 229 people. In sum, every fourth attack on healthcare this year has resulted in injuries. Also according to WHO-collated data, 42% of all attacks since 2022 have impacted primary healthcare services. In 2024 so far, the greatest burden of injury and mortality has affected secondary care, with every fifth attack resulting in injury. For emergency medical care, every second attack results in injury. To meet continuous humanitarian needs, since the start of the war WHO has so far distributed about 3,750 metric tons of medical supplies, including ambulances, medicines and generators, in various oblasts of the country. “Since February 2022, we at WHO have reached 15 million people with health interventions nationwide. In 2024, we are focusing our primary efforts on the humanitarian needs of 3.4 million people. Along with the wider United Nations family and other partners, WHO complements efforts by the country’s authorities to maintain and develop healthcare where it is possible,” said Dr Jarno Habicht. “Further, while the war continues, continuous humanitarian funding is needed to address humanitarian needs. We are grateful to all donors who have been supporting WHO and our health partners all this while.”The Ukrainian healthcare system continues to prove its resilience and remains functional in areas under government control. Despite the relentless attacks health authorities continue to respond quickly to needs and challenges. Where there are health needs, such as in frontline areas, humanitarian organizations also contribute to filling in the gaps and improving access to medical care. Gaps must still be addressed to ensure universal access to essential healthcare services, especially in areas close to the frontline and among communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs). “Ultimately, the healthcare workforce of Ukraine are genuine heroes,” concluded Dr Habicht. “Despite ongoing attacks, despite all the challenges, they continue saving people's lives. On World Humanitarian Day and every day, we at WHO pay tribute to them – and vow to be their support, now and always.”For more information, please contact:Alona Roshchenko, WHO Ukraine media consultant via e-mail: [email protected] Phone/WhatsApp +38 063 103 0408
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Press Release
14 August 2024
UNOPS restores additional 26 schools in Ukraine with support from European Union
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s educational infrastructure has been severely impacted, with nearly one in seven schools affected. Over 200 schools have been completely destroyed, and more than 1,600 have sustained damage. This situation has forced a shift to online education in many regions, further complicated by ongoing power shortages. Additionally, over 500,000 Ukrainian children are receiving education abroad, separated from their familiar surroundings. The reconstruction of schools in Ukraine is vital, not only for the immediate resumption of in-person learning but also for the long-term stability and psychological well-being of Ukrainian students.“The Fourth Sustainable Development Goal focuses on ensuring equitable quality education for all. Through the implementation of this project, UNOPS is making its contribution today to a more confident tomorrow, where Ukrainian schoolchildren will be able to resume their education in conditions that support their growth and wellbeing. It is important that when the situation allows, students will be able to return to their familiar educational institutions. The continued education of children is particularly important in a country so affected by war,” says Simon Porter, Director a. i. of the UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office.In each of the educational institutions selected for this project phase, a detailed damage assessment was conducted to determine the scope of repair work needed. The repairs included installing new windows and doors, roof and heating system repairs, and restoring walls and classrooms. Additionally, many schools received new furniture, including desks, chairs, whiteboards, and cabinets, to enhance the learning environment. These improvements are designed to create safe, welcoming, and conducive spaces for students to learn and grow once they can return."The European Union remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. Ukrainian children and their future are at the heart of these efforts. Together with our partners, we are fulfilling our pledge to support the rehabilitation of schools damaged or destroyed by Russia’s war. Through the implementation of the project with UNOPS, more than 15,000 students will return to safe, face-to-face learning. We hope this will create a lasting, positive change for every child involved," says Samuel Marie-Fanon, the Acting Head of the EU Humanitarian Aid Office in Ukraine. As the "School Repairs in Ukraine" project progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring that children in affected regions have the opportunity to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. The collaboration between the European Union, UNOPS, and local partners will be crucial in scaling up these efforts and addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine’s educational sector. Notes to the editors: Bona fide media are permitted to use photos stored in the folder for reporting on the project with the attribution ©UNOPS/Yurii Veres.Press contact details: Mykhailo Turianytsia, Communications Officer, [email protected], Alina Abramenko, Communications Associate, [email protected].
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Press Release
10 August 2024
Statement From the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) on the August 9 Attack in Eastern Ukraine
Local authorities report that at least 14 people were killed, including 2 girls, and 43 were injured in what they say was a Russian Federation Armed Forces missile strike on the local ‘Ekomarket’ supermarket, a venue popular with shoppers in which a post office branch is also located.Authorities are in the process of identifying the six people, including one child, who are reportedly among the 14 killed, with their identities currently undergoing DNA analysis. So far, HRMMU has verified the identities of at least 8 civilians killed and 15 injured, all of whom were employees or visitors of the supermarket and nearby shops. The Kostyantynivka attack continues a grim trend of mounting civilian casualties of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that is now well into its third year.On Friday, 9 August, HRMMU reported (link) that in terms of civilian casualties July was the deadliest month since October 2022.
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