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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:
Press Release
06 September 2024
UN Human Rights Monitors Report Extensive Civilian Harm from Recent Attacks
The high casualty numbers follow a sharp increase in civilian deaths and injuries over the summer. HRMMU’s monthly update on civilian harm, published today, shows that 184 civilians were killed and 856 injured in August alone, the second highest monthly casualty number in 2024 after July.“Powerful missiles and bombs have struck populated areas, killing and injuring civilians across the country”, said Head of HRMMU Danielle Bell. “Targeted attacks on Ukraine's electricity infrastructure have again triggered lengthy nationwide power cuts while recent attacks have destroyed or damaged hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and critical energy infrastructure.”On 26 August, Russian armed forces launched one of the largest coordinated aerial attacks across Ukraine since February 2022. The attack killed eight civilians and injured at least 23, in addition to damaging at least twenty-five energy facilities 15 regions of Ukraine. Subsequent attacks across Ukraine have also resulted in numerous civilian casualties. On 30 August, for example, aerial bombs struck four districts of Kharkiv city, killing 6 civilians and injuring at least 44. On 1 September, multiple missiles struck Kharkiv city, killing one medical worker and injuring at least 11 civilians. On 4 September, attacks with multiple weapons killed seven civilians and injured 62 in Lviv city, in the city’s first civilian casualty incident since February 2024.While the vast majority of civilian casualties have occurred in areas controlled by Ukraine, HRMMU has also recorded reports of civilian casualties in territory occupied by the Russian Federation and in the Russian Federation. For example, on 4 September, an attack struck a market in occupied Donetsk city, killing four civilians, including two children, and injuring another seven civilians. An attack on Belgorod city in the Russian Federation on 30 August killed 5 persons and injured dozens according to local reports. HRMMU has not been able to verify the Belgorod figures. Attacks since 26 August have killed 6 and injured 43 children during the back-to-school period. For example, a girl was among the seven killed in the 4 September attack in the western city of Lviv which also killed her mother, her two sisters aged 18 and 21 and injured their father. The same damaged three schools, only two days after Ukrainian children returned to school.“Across Ukraine the joy and excitement of going back to school has been marred by air raid sirens and explosions,” said Bell.
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Publication
28 August 2024
Ukraine Recovery Snapshot, June – July 2024
In June-July 2024, the UN in Ukraine was active in restoring civilian infrastructure – water supply, residential buildings, and educational facilities. Multiple mine action initiatives have been launched, including innovative AI technologies for explosive remnants of war detection in the Kharkiv region. The UN agencies conducted various workshops and training sessions for the community representatives, students, and medical professionals to equip them with knowledge and skills to face the immediate challenges of war and work towards sustainable recovery where possible. A new nearly $5 million project under the Community Recovery Fund was launched in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions to implement an integrated approach to community recovery. This includes debris removal, civilian infrastructure and residential building rehabilitation, as well as legal and social assistance to people affected by the war. Download the document for more details.
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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
13 September 2024
Story of a School: Rebuilding for the Future
With the support of UNOPS and the European Union, the school is being restored, offering a beacon of hope amid the ongoing challenges.In the heart of Kharkiv, a school that once brimmed with life and energy has become a quiet monument to the challenges faced during war. The courtyard, where children used to joyfully ride their bikes, now lies mostly silent. Once, the playground was a hub of activity, hosting a unique cycling program that engaged students, teachers, and even the head teacher, Alla Zub. Some students became local champions, their victories celebrated by the entire school community.But today, two and half years after Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, the scene has drastically changed. The playground stands mostly empty, with only a few local children who still live nearby occasionally visiting. It serves as a quiet testament to the devastating impacts the war has had on this school and the surrounding communities. In total, the school has been struck three times. The most devastating strike occurred in August 2022. Missiles hit the building – shattering windows, damaging walls and destroying the ceiling. Thankfully, the building was empty, sparing lives but leaving behind destruction and a deep sense of uncertainty. “This was about a month into the invasion – a terrible time for Kharkiv. We were scared and confused, not sure what to do,” recalls Alla Zub, the head teacher. This school once educated over 770 students, including children with disabilities. The facilities were equipped to ensure a comfortable learning environment for every student, including an accessible elevator. Today, many students are scattered across different parts of the world, while some now attend makeshift classrooms in the Kharkiv metro. Both the students and staff alike, including Alla, long for the day they can return to their beloved school.“I am in touch with many of the families, and I can tell how much they want to go back to normal,” says Alla.“Going to school and socializing with your peers is such an essential childhood experience. It pains me to see how kids are being deprived of it. Ever since the Covid[-19] pandemic four years ago, we’ve had to deal with constant disruption, and it takes a toll on everyone involved: children, parents and teachers.” Despite the destruction, and the disruption to many lives, hope has not been lost. Thanks to the School Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, the school has been repaired. Damaged windows and doors have been replaced, classrooms renovated, and new modern furniture installed. The building, now restored, stands ready to welcome students once more, even if the day of their returns remains uncertain. The restoration of this school is part of a broader effort to repair educational facilities across Ukraine. The project has already completed work on 26 schools in four regions, with plans to restore over 75 schools in total. "Education is the cornerstone of development and prosperity, which is why the EU is committed to ensuring that Ukrainian children have access to quality learning, despite all the challenges posed by Russia's invasion," says Marianna Franco, Head of the European Union Humanitarian Aid Office in Ukraine. "We believe that schools need to be repaired as soon as possible. We are also supporting the establishment of appropriate shelters so that learning environments are as safe as possible and children in Ukraine can pursue their dreams and ambitions".For now, the school remains empty, maintained by a skeleton staff. The older students continue their education online, which has proven difficult due to unreliable technology and frequent power outages caused by ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Younger students face the choice between online learning or attending classes in the city’s metro stations – a solution that requires families to navigate logistical hurdles and anxieties related to travelling further distances in a war zone.Yet, in the silence, there is still hope. “The repairs give me, and I hope others too, a sense of hope for the future. We are one step closer to normality, closer to the way things used to be,” reflects Alla. This initiative, which represents a significant investment in Ukraine's future, aims to create safe, welcoming environments where children can continue their education without interruption.“Schools are often at the heart of their local communities, and so helping repair them is a great privilege for us. This project still has much work to do, but the team remains committed to completing our support to all our nominated schools to the highest degree of quality, as quickly as possible,” explains Paul Cruickshank, Senior Project Manager. “At all times, we remain keenly aware that the sites we work at are part of a critical social fabric," he adds.As the school looks forward to welcoming its students back, the community holds onto the hope that one day, the laughter and energy of the children will once again fill the courtyard. Until then, the building stands as a testament to the resilience of a community that refuses to let war extinguish its spirit.About the projectThe Schools Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, aims to repair educational facilities that have been damaged during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This $30 million initiative is being implemented in the regions of Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv, focusing on schools requiring light to medium repair work.The primary objective of the project is to provide access to repaired school facilities which will increase the proportion of children receiving face-to-face education. By rehabilitating more than 75 schools, the project will help restore facilities to a safe and welcoming environment where children can continue their education without interruption.
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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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Story
17 October 2024
World Food Day 2024: FAO’s support to Ukrainian farmers amidst the war
This year’s theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” holds special significance for Ukraine, where the ongoing war continues to threaten food security and devastate the environment. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is playing a vital role in supporting the Ukrainian agricultural sector, providing critical assistance to farmers and rural communities affected by the war.“FAO is committed to ensuring food security in Ukraine, supporting the brave farmers and rural families who continue to cultivate their land under incredibly challenging circumstances. On this World Food Day, we acknowledge the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian farmers. Their strength motivates us to help them rebuild and create better conditions for a sustainable future,” said Mohammed Azouqa, Acting Head of the FAO office in Ukraine.In 2024 alone, FAO has assisted over 45,000 rural families in frontline areas with young poultry, irrigation kits, cash, and vouchers for essential agricultural inputs. Around 3,300 farmers and agricultural producers received wheat, soybean, and sunflower seeds, along with vital supplies such as fish feed, vouchers, generators, and storage support — critical resources that help sustain production amid ongoing challenges. Oleksandr from Kharkivska oblast is one of the farmers who received assistance from FAO this year. Before the war, Oleksandr’s farm was thriving, with produce grown for export. But the war left his fields littered with mines and unexploded ordnance, and his storage and work facilities completely destroyed. “The farm was the strongest in the area, and now everything is destroyed,” said Oleksandr, though he refuses to give up. Despite all the difficulties, he continues working to rebuild his farm. In spring, he sowed sunflowers and harvested crops, which will be safely stored in a modular grain storage unit provided by FAO. Preparing for winter, Oleksandr plans to sow his fields with wheat and rapeseed.“The current yield of sunflower is almost three times less than before the war, as we have no resources to apply fertilizer,” the farmer explains. “But we are grateful FAO for having the opportunity to store the seeds safely and sell them later at a good price”.This year’s World Food Day serves as a reminder that, even in the most difficult times, collective efforts can overcome global challenges and promote sustainable development. FAO remains a steadfast partner for Ukraine, committed to restoring food security and supporting the country's agricultural sector.
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Story
19 September 2024
"I forgot to close the door." An evacuee’s rush to safety in Ukraine
Home to some 14,000 people, Mezhova is already hosting 5,000 internally displaced people. Angelina, 87, recently arrived at a transit centre in Mezhova. She fled her hometown, Myrnohrad, following a mandatory evacuation order due to intense fighting. “I had to leave my home in a hurry, but I forgot to close the door,” she confided, her voice trembling. She is worried about her cat and two dogs that she left behind, hoping her neighbour can care for them. “She’s not well herself, but I pray she won’t abandon my pets,” Angelina added. Despite her circumstances, Angelina is determined to return home. “I need to go back soon; my entire library is there,” she said, not fully grasping that it may be some time before she can return. The war escalated near Myrnohrad in early August, with no end in sight.
Local authorities in the neighbouring Dnipropetrovsk Region have established transit centres, including the one in Mezhova. These centres offer evacuees temporary refuge as they wait to be transported to safer areas of Ukraine. They receive food, hygiene kits, psychological support, legal aid and other essential services from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Some evacuees, like Angelina, will eventually be hosted at collective sites; or they will find their own accommodation. During a recent visit to the region, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, visited the Mezhova transit centre and a former transit centre in Pokrovsk Town, located about 30 km away in the Donetsk Region. Two nights before his visit, an attack by the Russian Armed Forces severely damaged the Pokrovsk Town transit centre, rending it functional. “This is unacceptable,” said Mr. Schmale. “People must be safe in places like this.” In meetings with the regional authorities of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Regions, Mr. Schmale reiterated that the humanitarian community would continue assisting people affected by the war, complementing the Government’s response.
Local authorities in the neighbouring Dnipropetrovsk Region have established transit centres, including the one in Mezhova. These centres offer evacuees temporary refuge as they wait to be transported to safer areas of Ukraine. They receive food, hygiene kits, psychological support, legal aid and other essential services from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Some evacuees, like Angelina, will eventually be hosted at collective sites; or they will find their own accommodation. During a recent visit to the region, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, visited the Mezhova transit centre and a former transit centre in Pokrovsk Town, located about 30 km away in the Donetsk Region. Two nights before his visit, an attack by the Russian Armed Forces severely damaged the Pokrovsk Town transit centre, rending it functional. “This is unacceptable,” said Mr. Schmale. “People must be safe in places like this.” In meetings with the regional authorities of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Regions, Mr. Schmale reiterated that the humanitarian community would continue assisting people affected by the war, complementing the Government’s response.
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Story
17 October 2024
It is crucial to keep attention on the human rights situation in Ukraine
Danielle Bell is the Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), established in 2014 to monitor and report on the human rights situation in the country. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022, the mission has intensified its work documenting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict. Bell is a human rights specialist with more than two decades of experience, mainly leading UN human rights teams to monitor human rights in conflict and post-conflict settings.The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is well into its third year. How would you describe the human rights situation in Ukraine?The invasion is having an immense impact on the Ukrainian people. More than 10,000 civilians have been killed and more than 20,000 injured. Relentless attacks continue to destroy homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Entire neighbourhoods and villages have been destroyed. A major children’s hospital in Kyiv was recently attacked. Millions have been forced to flee, separating families. Summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence have occurred with impunity. In the Russian Federation, the conflict has also affected increasing numbers of Russian civilians, and there has been destruction and damage of civilian infrastructure. It’s easy to become numb to the scale of these figures, but our public reports are not just statistics. Every single figure we report has a human story behind it, often with dreadful suffering.How does the mission conduct its work in a situation of conflict?Our teams are out in the field every day. We ask both sides for access to affected areas, and pursue the access we have to the largest extent we can. We're the only UN organization with a monitoring presence near the front line, which means we meet daily with people who are directly affected by the conflict. This allows us to keep a record as accurate, credible and reliable as possible of how the conflict is affecting civilians while also examining the broader human rights consequences. Last October, a missile struck a café in the small Ukrainian village of Hroza, killing 59 people attending a funeral reception. Within 36 hours, we were in Hroza, walking down every street, speaking to villagers, and collecting details on the circumstances of the attack, so we were able to ascertain that every person killed was a civilian, and then made an initial assessment of who was responsible and the legality of the attack. Besides our fieldwork, we provide technical advice to national human rights institutions and assist national authorities develop laws and policies that are in line with international human rights standards.HRMMU was established with the aim of strengthening human rights protection in Ukraine, fostering access to justice, and ensuring that perpetrators of human rights violations are held to account. How is it contributing to accountability?Our public reports are a critical tool for accountability because they put facts on public record. Ukrainian domestic courts, including the Constitutional Court, have relied on our reports for important rulings on human rights. International and regional bodies like the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights have also referenced our work in recent findings. Additionally, our database serves as an important historical record, laying the groundwork for future accountability and truth, justice and reparation processes.
“We will continue our meticulous documentation to ensure that accountability one day will be a reality.“DANIELLE BELL, HEAD OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS MISSION IN UKRAINE
HRMMU has been in the country since March 2014. How has the work changed?HRMMU is the only international organization that has maintained a presence here for 10 years. Our work has evolved as the human rights situation has changed. For example, a recent report sets out the serious human rights and humanitarian law violations by the Russian Federation in the past 10 years since the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea. Since the full-scale invasion, we've focused on protection of civilians in armed conflict, looking at some of the broader conflict trends such as conflict-related sexual violence or the effect of the conflict on children and women. But the core of our work has not changed: our focus on key human rights issues and where we can make an impact. For instance, HRMMU is the only UN entity monitoring and reporting on the collaboration trials conducted by the Ukrainian authorities, which has led to positive results. Notably, in recent months, HRMMU observed a continued downward trend in the number of cases in which Ukrainian courts convicted persons for “collaboration activities” for conduct that could, in principle, be lawfully compelled by the occupying Power.
What recent trends in violations have you observed?We have been seeing an alarming increase in civilian casualties since March this year, with July being the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilians since October 2022. This surge is due to coordinated attacks launched by the Russian armed forces across Ukraine, including air strikes on a hospital complex in Kyiv, and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, which are causing the most harm in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine. Also, large-scale attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have drastically reduced the country’s electricity capacity, leading to daily power cuts for millions of people across Ukraine. These outages, often lasting many hours, limit access to water, mobile networks and internet, and public transportation, and disrupt children’s ability to study, as many in Ukraine attend school remotely. Those who will be most impacted are the vulnerable groups, especially older people and persons with disabilities. And in the Russian Federation, the conflict has recently led to large numbers of civilians displaced from their homes, with all the implications that has for peoples’ enjoyment of human rights.What is the human rights situation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees?Since February 2022, we have interviewed over 600 released Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war (POWs), including POWs who were freed from Russian captivity during recent exchanges in spring and summer. We have continued to document widespread and routine use of torture and ill-treatment against civilians and POWs by Russian authorities, with testimonies of survivors describing unimaginable cruelty. When it comes to Russian POWs in Ukrainian captivity, we have unfettered access to official places of internment from Ukrainian authorities. In these cases, we have documented accounts of torture at transit locations after their evacuation from the battlefield. What’s important to note is that we engage with Ukrainian authorities, and this engagement and advocacy is promoting change. When we publicly reported on torture and ill-treatment of Russian POWs and advocated on this issue with Ukrainian authorities, we observed improvements in their treatment and conditions of internment.What are the main challenges of your work?The number one challenge is that we do not have access to Ukrainian territory that is under control of the Russian Federation, or to affected parts of the Russian Federation itself, despite our repeated requests. We've had to be creative in the way we do our monitoring. For example, going near the front line and meeting with people who are living in areas that were previously under Russian occupation. We have a remote team that works out of Moldova, who are able to have confidential and secured communications with people living inside occupied territory. We also maintained a regular monitoring presence in Sumy, which until early August was the only open border crossing point with Russia, where people could leave occupied territory. My team interviewed people when they first crossed back into Ukraine. In March, we published a report based on more than 2,300 interviews with victims and witnesses, detailing widespread violations by the Russian Federation carried out during its efforts to consolidate its control over the population in occupied territory.How do you counter misinformation? What methodology do you use?HRMMU is considered an authoritative source due to our OHCHR rigorous methodology. Our reports are based on data collected and corroborated during field missions, detention visits, trial monitoring, in-person and remote interviews with victims, witnesses, relatives, lawyers, government representatives, and civil society, as well as information drawn from court documents, official records, videos, and photographs. In concrete terms, we rely on multiple, diverse sources, each meticulously assessed for credibility and reliability. We do not simply accept second-hand information or rely on internet searches and broadcast channels; our work is built on thorough, on-the-ground research.How are staff doing their work in light of the situation?Keeping staff safe is another major challenge. There is a war going on and people are at risk when they go near the front line. Staff are committed because they know their work is critical. Aside from the stress of hearing explosions and air sirens day in and day out, speaking to people about their suffering is hard. We speak with people every day when they are at their most vulnerable, witnessing dreadful suffering, which certainly takes a toll.
“We will continue our meticulous documentation to ensure that accountability one day will be a reality.“DANIELLE BELL, HEAD OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS MISSION IN UKRAINE
HRMMU has been in the country since March 2014. How has the work changed?HRMMU is the only international organization that has maintained a presence here for 10 years. Our work has evolved as the human rights situation has changed. For example, a recent report sets out the serious human rights and humanitarian law violations by the Russian Federation in the past 10 years since the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea. Since the full-scale invasion, we've focused on protection of civilians in armed conflict, looking at some of the broader conflict trends such as conflict-related sexual violence or the effect of the conflict on children and women. But the core of our work has not changed: our focus on key human rights issues and where we can make an impact. For instance, HRMMU is the only UN entity monitoring and reporting on the collaboration trials conducted by the Ukrainian authorities, which has led to positive results. Notably, in recent months, HRMMU observed a continued downward trend in the number of cases in which Ukrainian courts convicted persons for “collaboration activities” for conduct that could, in principle, be lawfully compelled by the occupying Power.
What recent trends in violations have you observed?We have been seeing an alarming increase in civilian casualties since March this year, with July being the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilians since October 2022. This surge is due to coordinated attacks launched by the Russian armed forces across Ukraine, including air strikes on a hospital complex in Kyiv, and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, which are causing the most harm in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine. Also, large-scale attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have drastically reduced the country’s electricity capacity, leading to daily power cuts for millions of people across Ukraine. These outages, often lasting many hours, limit access to water, mobile networks and internet, and public transportation, and disrupt children’s ability to study, as many in Ukraine attend school remotely. Those who will be most impacted are the vulnerable groups, especially older people and persons with disabilities. And in the Russian Federation, the conflict has recently led to large numbers of civilians displaced from their homes, with all the implications that has for peoples’ enjoyment of human rights.What is the human rights situation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees?Since February 2022, we have interviewed over 600 released Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war (POWs), including POWs who were freed from Russian captivity during recent exchanges in spring and summer. We have continued to document widespread and routine use of torture and ill-treatment against civilians and POWs by Russian authorities, with testimonies of survivors describing unimaginable cruelty. When it comes to Russian POWs in Ukrainian captivity, we have unfettered access to official places of internment from Ukrainian authorities. In these cases, we have documented accounts of torture at transit locations after their evacuation from the battlefield. What’s important to note is that we engage with Ukrainian authorities, and this engagement and advocacy is promoting change. When we publicly reported on torture and ill-treatment of Russian POWs and advocated on this issue with Ukrainian authorities, we observed improvements in their treatment and conditions of internment.What are the main challenges of your work?The number one challenge is that we do not have access to Ukrainian territory that is under control of the Russian Federation, or to affected parts of the Russian Federation itself, despite our repeated requests. We've had to be creative in the way we do our monitoring. For example, going near the front line and meeting with people who are living in areas that were previously under Russian occupation. We have a remote team that works out of Moldova, who are able to have confidential and secured communications with people living inside occupied territory. We also maintained a regular monitoring presence in Sumy, which until early August was the only open border crossing point with Russia, where people could leave occupied territory. My team interviewed people when they first crossed back into Ukraine. In March, we published a report based on more than 2,300 interviews with victims and witnesses, detailing widespread violations by the Russian Federation carried out during its efforts to consolidate its control over the population in occupied territory.How do you counter misinformation? What methodology do you use?HRMMU is considered an authoritative source due to our OHCHR rigorous methodology. Our reports are based on data collected and corroborated during field missions, detention visits, trial monitoring, in-person and remote interviews with victims, witnesses, relatives, lawyers, government representatives, and civil society, as well as information drawn from court documents, official records, videos, and photographs. In concrete terms, we rely on multiple, diverse sources, each meticulously assessed for credibility and reliability. We do not simply accept second-hand information or rely on internet searches and broadcast channels; our work is built on thorough, on-the-ground research.How are staff doing their work in light of the situation?Keeping staff safe is another major challenge. There is a war going on and people are at risk when they go near the front line. Staff are committed because they know their work is critical. Aside from the stress of hearing explosions and air sirens day in and day out, speaking to people about their suffering is hard. We speak with people every day when they are at their most vulnerable, witnessing dreadful suffering, which certainly takes a toll.
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Story
17 October 2024
Supporting justice and accountability in Ukraine
Shortly after a deadly attack hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv in July 2024, a team of UN Human Rights officers and experts were busy at the site, interviewing medical staff, parents and residents, meticulously monitoring and documenting the realities of war. As the team carried out its work, stunned-looking children sat in hospital beds set up in parks and streets, their bodies still connected to medical drips, while smoke rose from rubble.The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is inflicting immense suffering on the people of Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have lost their lives. Relentless attacks continue to destroy homes, hospitals and schools. Entire neighbourhoods and villages have been erased. Millions were forced to flee their homes, tearing families apart. Summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and sexual violence have occurred with impunity.The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) was established in 2014 to monitor and report on the human rights situation in the country. Since 24 February 2022, the mission has intensified its work of documenting violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict, aiming to protect human rights and promote accountability and justice.With the invasion well into its third year, Danielle Bell, the Head of Mission, believes that the continued monitoring and documentation of human rights violations will help ensure that accountability and justice become a reality one day.The mission’s 75 staff members meet daily with people who are directly affected by the conflict, said Bell, to offer a “firsthand, credible and reliable account of human rights violations and civilian protection trends in the entire country, including in occupied territory.” “We're the only UN organization with a monitoring presence near the front line, which means we meet daily with people who are directly affected by the conflict.“DANIELLE BELL, HEAD OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS MISSION IN UKRAINEThrough its diligent work of documenting and producing evidence-based reports on the human rights situation, the mission supports accountability mechanisms and facilitates victims' and survivors’ access to justice.Behind every report there are human stories, Bell points out. “I did not want to leave”Viktor, 83, was among the thousands of people evacuated from the northern Kharkiv region during an offensive by Russian armed forces in May 2024. Residents described having to shelter in basements with no electricity for days or even weeks on end amid intense artillery shelling and aerial bombardments.Viktor said his house, just 2 km from the border, was destroyed by a bomb, which also injured one of his sons. Some fled with little more than a few bags of clothes, some carrying their pets. Many women arrived at government displacement centres wearing sandals and light summer dresses.“I stayed because it was my house. I did not want to leave,” said Viktor at an aid centre in Kharkiv city.Older people and people with disabilities face special difficulties when forced to evacuate, but Viktor managed to reach safety with the help of his granddaughter. “Leaving was a difficult decision. I am old and I have a hard time walking. I don’t know where I am going to live now.”During the offensive, HRMMU teams travelled to the field to conduct extensive interviews with people who had been evacuated from frontline areas. “I only took a suitcase with me”Lina’s eyes well up when she reminisces about her old life. “We had everything: good salaries, apartments, nice weather,” she said.Lina fled the city of Enerhodar, in southeastern Ukraine, after it was occupied by Russian forces.“I only took a suitcase with me. I had to leave my bed-ridden mother with a nurse and my brother,” said Lina.Her mother died in March 2023, but Lina is determined to keep the last promise she made to her.“I promised her that I would come back,” she said. “We thought it was going to be some months, but it has been more than two years.”Lina, who works in the city of Zaporizhzhia helping other Ukrainians who have fled occupied areas of Ukraine, described how residents there were under increasing pressure to obtain Russian passports to facilitate daily life.“Health services are not being provided for people with Ukrainian passports, so people are being forced to obtain Russian passports,” she said, adding that older persons and people with disabilities are the most affected.A recent HRMMU report detailed measures taken by the Russian Federation to apply Russian language, citizenship, laws, and education curricula in occupied territories of Ukraine, while suppressing expressions of Ukrainian culture and identity. “We had a beautiful house”“We had a beautiful house, with a big garden and bees, and we made our own honey. We were respected in our communities. But we had to leave everything behind. Why did this happen to us?” asked Polina.Polina, 67, and her husband Oleksandr, 65, are Ukrainian refugees living in Moldova. Both Polina and Oleksandr have heart problems, and left their village in Mykolaiv region, in southern Ukraine, after hiding in their basement with their grandchildren for five days while the village was being shelled by Russian forces.“The sounds of the bombs were very scary. It was horrible. A lot of buildings were destroyed. A bomb fell 40 metres from our house. We could hear the bombs from the basement. We thought the house could become our grave if a bomb fell on top of us,” said Polina, a former teacher.Fearing for their health, the couple decided to flee in April 2024. They now live in a small apartment in the capital Chisinau with their oldest grandson, Andrii, 16, who does repair jobs to help pay rent.“We came with no clothes for summer. We don’t know what will happen to us. Our grandson is here to help us, but we cannot afford the rent,” said Oleksandr, a former electrician.Millions of civilians have had to leave everything behind. Many are traumatised and need support, particularly vulnerable populations. A referral program by the UN Human Rights Office in Moldova that assists vulnerable refugees from Ukraine ensured that Polina and Oleksandr received medicines supplied by a local NGO.Polina and Oleksandr, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this October, say there has not been a single day in which they didn't dream of returning to their orchard, where they grew apricots, apples, peaches and plums and raised cows.“We miss our sons and grandchildren,” said Polina, showing a picture on her mobile of her smiling 14-months granddaughter. “The fields are contaminated with explosives”Few places have been as devasted as Ternovi Pody and its surrounding villages. There used to be 150 residents in Ternovi Pody, but today there are only eight.This once-thriving farming settlement, in the southern region of Mykolaiv, became a fierce battleground during the first months of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Most of the villages are now ghost towns, their houses and schools turned to rubble.“When we came back six months ago everything was destroyed,” said Oleksandr, 55.Oleksandr and his wife, Larysa, recently rebuilt the roof and are busy replanting their garden despite hearing explosions almost every day from the front line, 30 km away. Missiles sometimes fly over the area, fired from the opposite bank of the Dnieper River, and the buzz of military drones is constant.“The fields are contaminated with explosives. Every day we find explosives and ammunitions near the house,” said Larysa, 58.One elderly neighbour said she missed the village’s children. "We had schools. Now the children are gone," she said.Despite not having electricity, Oleksandr and Larysa are determined to stay.“I was born in this house and I want to live again in it,” he said.UN Human Rights staff travel near the front lines and meet daily with people in communities directly affected by the conflict.
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Story
22 August 2024
Helping Kharkiv’s Residents See a Brighter Future
The city of Kharkiv, once home to 1.5 million people, became one of the first major Ukrainian cities to face the full brunt of the Russian invasion in February 2022. It endured months of relentless shelling and missile strikes, leaving behind a trail of devastation and displacement. The threat to Kharkiv remains constant. The city continues to be targeted by strike drones, missiles and gliding bombs, many of which evade air defenses due to Kharkiv's proximity to the Russian border.With funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS has been working since 2023 to restore housing in Kharkiv. The project focuses on repairing buildings damaged in 2022 that retain structural integrity – replacing windows and doors, and fixing roofs and facades. The goal is to provide residents with safe and habitable living spaces and help revitalize communities shattered by war.Lilia Netesa, a team leader working on the repairs highlights the challenges she faces and the impact of the project on her life and the lives of the residents. "In 2022, Kharkiv's Northern Saltivka district was hit very hard. It was practically destroyed, and the people of an entire district practically became homeless. It requires very serious restoration, up to rebuilding entire neighborhoods," Lilia explains.Despite the ongoing war and the uncertainty it brings, Lilia and her team continue their work, providing a vital lifeline for the community. "The residents are anxious about the situation at the frontlines. They had doubts about the project continuing after the recent assault in May," Lilia shares. "But when their windows arrived, they were overjoyed. It brought a sense of hope and certainty."Lilia's daily life is a constant reminder of the war's impact. "One of the difficulties I face has to do with commuting to work. Sometimes I set off in the morning, and when I arrive in Kharkiv, I find that the city is paralyzed because it is being attacked. This brings transport to a halt, including the metro system. No-one can get anywhere," she explains. "Then there are power outages: sometimes they’re scheduled, sometimes they aren’t. Our energy system is badly damaged, and when a new attack hits, the power can go out without notice." These disruptions create economic hardship: "Jobs are scarce, wages are low, prices are inflated," Lilia adds.The project's impact extends beyond providing safe housing. It offers employment to construction workers, like Lilia and her colleagues, and engages a local NGO in community mobilisation work, contributing to the local economy and providing a sense of purpose during a difficult time. "This project isn't just about restoring housing. It's about reviving the community," explains Oleh Hryshchenko, UNOPS civil engineer overseeing the repair work. "It's critical support for Kharkiv and its people in these trying times." The project is repairing several hundred apartments, as well as common areas and building exteriors in around a dozen multi-apartment buildings. With extra funding from the government of Japan, the project was extended until December 2024 and will continue to provide essential support to the people of Kharkiv, helping them rebuild their lives and their city."Kharkiv is a pioneer in demonstrating how emergency response and recovery go hand in hand," says Simon Porter, Director a.i. of the UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office. "The UN family is working closely with local authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and support early recovery efforts. Our project with Japan is a vital part of this effort. They are helping to keep the city running and, in the near future, it is hoped, to flourish."About this projectIn response to the ongoing war and the harsh winter conditions in Ukraine, UNOPS, in partnership with the government of Japan, launched a comprehensive winterization project aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in the Kharkiv region. In collaboration with local partners, this project addresses the urgent need for restoring critical infrastructure and providing essential supplies to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.The primary focus of this initiative is to repair and revitalize multi-apartment buildings in Kharkiv’s Kyivskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts, which have suffered extensive damage due to ongoing shelling and missile attacks. These repairs are crucial for providing safe, warm, and secure homes for thousands of residents before the harsh winter fully sets in. The project includes the restoration of around 1520 buildings, focusing on the repair of windows, walls, and utility systems.
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Press Release
11 October 2024
Attacks in Odesa Cause Civilian Harm Amid Rising Monthly Casualty Numbers
The five recent attacks in the Odesa region have killed 14 civilians and injured 28, according to local authorities.Three of the most recent documented attacks by HRMMU struck different seaports, reportedly causing damage to civilian vessels. HRMMU warned that these attacks could signal an intensification of assaults on such facilities.Odesa's seaport facilities have faced particularly intense attacks since the Russian Federation withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023. The agreement had been designed to facilitate the safe export of grain from Ukraine.In the most recent attack on 10 October, munitions or remnants of an intercepted missile hit a two-story building housing a mushroom farm and its employees in Usatove village. Four civilians, including a 16-year-old girl, were killed, and at least nine others were injured. HRMMU visited the site the following day.In a separate attack on one of Odesa's seaports, nine civilians were killed, and eight were injured, according to seaport authorities.These recent strikes come amid a sharp rise in civilian casualties across Ukraine.“Last month, for the third consecutive month, the number of civilian casualties was higher than in all other months since October 2022,” the Head of HRMMU Danielle Bell said.Today, HRMMU issued its monthly Protection of Civilians Update. In September, 208 civilians, including nine children, were killed and 1,220 others, including 76 children, were injured due to conflict-related violence. Forty-six percent of those killed were over the age of 60.
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Press Release
01 October 2024
PROTECT CIVILIANS AMIDST WAR
Yet again, another unfathomable attack of the Russian Armed Forces killed and injured civilians, this time at the start of their day at a busy marketplace in Kherson City, south of Ukraine. The market and a public transport stop were also damaged.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion by Russian forces in 2022, thousands of people going about their daily lives in markets, schools and hospitals have never returned home due to the impact of the war.
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion by Russian forces in 2022, thousands of people going about their daily lives in markets, schools and hospitals have never returned home due to the impact of the war.
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop.
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Press Release
28 September 2024
HOSPITALS MUST NEVER BE HIT
I am devastated by Russian Armed Forces attacks this morning that damaged a hospital in Sumy City, northeastern Ukraine, and killed and injured several people. Places providing health care must always be safe and not be subjected to such ruthless violence. The second of two strikes compounded the suffering of the wounded and incapacitated first responders. Attacks against wounded and those helping them are prohibited by international humanitarian law (IHL). Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not a target! Kyiv, 28 September 2024
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Press Release
28 September 2024
UN Human Rights Monitors Deplore Deadly Attacks on Medical Facilities in North-Eastern Ukraine
On the morning of 28 September, two loitering munitions impacted the Saint Panteleimon Clinical Hospital in Sumy approximately 45 minutes apart. Most of the fatalities occurred during the second explosion, which hit as first responders arrived at the site and patients attempted to evacuate.“Today’s horrific strike on a hospital, with first responders and patients caught in the second explosion, highlights the ongoing disregard for the special protections afforded to medical facilities under international humanitarian law”, said Danielle Bell, the Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). “Just last week, I was in Sumy following up on the 19 September attack on the Sumy Geriatric Boarding House, which tragically affected vulnerable older residents”, she added.Sumy city and the surrounding region have faced increased attacks since Ukrainian armed forces launched an incursion into Kursk, a neighboring region in the Russian Federation, on 6 August.Today’s attack is the third affecting medical facilities in Sumy since that date. On 13 August, a missile impacted a hospital complex in the city, damaging three medical institutions: the Sumy Regional Clinical Hospital for War Veterans, the Sumy Regional Children's Hospital, and the Sumy Regional Clinical Cardiology Center.On 19 September, another attack struck the Sumy Geriatric Boarding House for War and Labor Veterans, located near the hospital complex damaged on 13 August. This strike also damaged the Sumy Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary and the Sumy Regional Children's Hospital. The HRMMU has verified that one civilian was killed and 13 were injured in the 19 September attack.Medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law and are entitled to special protection. They must not be the object of attacks.“These repeated and deadly attacks are causing immeasurable suffering to civilians and seriously impacting essential health services. It is imperative that these violations cease immediately and that those responsible are held to account,” Bell concluded.Since 6 August, HRMMU has documented that 42 civilians have been killed and 153 injured in the Sumy region.
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Press Release
23 September 2024
UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine finds additional evidence of common patterns of torture by Russian authorities
The wide geographic spread of locations and the prevalence of shared patterns in the way torture is committed demonstrate that torture has been used as a common and acceptable practice with a sense of impunity, the Commission said in its latest update to the Human Rights Council today. The Commission’s further investigation into cases of torture provides evidence that Russian authorities committed torture in the Ukrainian regions where they have taken control of territories. The new evidence reinforces the Commission’s previous finding that torture committed by Russian authorities has been widespread.The Commission has identified additional common elements in the use of torture by Russian authorities, reinforcing its earlier finding that this was systematic. One element is the consistency of violent practices imposed in detention centres where detainees from Ukraine have been held in the Russian Federation, and the replication of these practices in several large penitentiary centres in occupied areas of Ukraine.Another common element emerging from the evidence points towards a coordinated use of personnel from specific services of the Russian Federation involved in torture in all the detention facilities investigated by the Commission. A further common feature is the recurrent use of sexual violence, mainly against male victims, as a form of torture in almost all of these detention centres. Moreover, the Commission notes testimonies of former detainees about penitentiary personnel in the Russian Federation referring to orders to inflict brutal treatment. Testimonies also illustrate that in some detention facilities higher ranking Russian authorities ordered, tolerated, or took no action to stop such treatment. A civilian man subjected to torture for ten consecutive days told the Commission: "The scariest thing was that the perpetrators were doing everything in silence, and very professionally. I understood they were doing this to many people, and they did not perceive us as human beings.” These violations have left many of the victims with grave or irreparable physical harm and trauma. Most of them emphasised the deep psychological impact of these experiences for them and their families. Some victims reported immense challenges in reintegrating into the society and relating to their loved ones. They invoked a need for psychological and social support for themselves and their families. The Commission has also continued its documentation of attacks with explosive weapons affecting civilian objects in populated areas with devastating consequences. It investigated attacks that struck medical institutions, cultural objects, residential buildings, and supermarkets in territories under Ukrainian Government control.Pursuing its investigation of Russian Federation’s large-scale waves of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — some of which have resulted in power outages affecting millions of civilians — the Commission has found new evidence of the impact of such attacks on the health and well-being of the population.The blackouts have particularly affected certain categories of the population. Older persons and persons with disabilities have, for instance, suffered from difficulties to access shelters during emergencies, reduced access to life-saving medical devices, and increased isolation, which accentuated their vulnerabilities. The power outages have also led to disruptions of online education, resulting in greater losses for displaced children and children with disabilities, who are more likely to enrol in remote education. The Commission reiterated the importance of continuing investigations, identification of perpetrators, and accountability, as well as comprehensive support for victims. It calls upon all parties to cooperate and coordinate their efforts on these important matters. The oral update statement as presented to the UN Human Rights Council can be found here.The Members of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine are available for interviews.Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The Commission will submit reports of its activities to the General Assembly in October 2023, and to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2024. The Commission comprises Erik Møse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover.More information on the work of the Commission can be found at the link.For media requests and queries, please contact: Saule Mukhametrakhimova, Media Adviser, Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; at saule.mukhametrakhimova@un.org or (+43-1) 26060-83450 or (+43-676) 3493464; or Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the UN Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, todd.pitman@un.org or (+41) 76 691 1761; or Pascal Sim, Human Rights Council Media Officer, at simp@un.org.
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