Latest
Press Release
31 October 2024
Germany and UNIDO deepen cooperation with a new project on the green industrial recovery of Ukraine
Learn more
Press Release
31 October 2024
ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS IN UKRAINE MUST STOP
Learn more
Press Release
30 October 2024
Ukraine: Torture by Russian authorities amounts to crimes against humanity, says UN Commission of Inquiry
Learn more
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
23 October 2024
UNEP supporting the green recovery in Ukraine
Working closely with the Ukrainian government, UNEP has launched several critical initiatives – from investigating environmental impacts of the Kakhovka Dam breach to developing sustainable wastewater management solutions in cities.The Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine brings together key international partners to support Ukraine's sustainable recovery, focusing on implementing green recovery strategies, mobilizing expertise and resources, while promoting science-based development approaches.With support from international donors including Finland, Japan, Austria, Czechia, USA, Germany, and Italy, UNEP is driving projects that range from asbestos-containing debris management to renewable energy solutions in urban areas. These initiatives are complemented by biodiversity conservation along transport corridors and sustainable development in the Carpathian region.Download the brochure to learn more about UNEP's environmental action in Ukraine.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
Publication
11 October 2024
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — September 2024
Summary
• At least 208 civilians were killed and 1,220 injured in Ukraine in September, making it the month with the highest number of civilian casualties (killed and injured) in 2024, continuing a trend of higher civilian casualties that started in July. Nine children were killed and 76 injured. Forty-six per cent of those killed were older than 60 years.• Attacks using missiles across the country and aerial glide bombs, particularly against the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, contributed to the high casualty numbers.• Near the frontline, attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) accounted for a large portion of the casualties. In the part of Kherson region controlled by the Government of Ukraine, half of civilian casualties were caused by UAV attacks. UAVs also caused civilian harm in occupied Donetsk and Horlivka (Donetsk region).• The vast majority of civilian casualties (92 per cent) and damage to educational and health facilities (96 per cent) in September continued to occur in territory controlled by Ukraine.• At least 30 attacks damaged or destroyed energy infrastructure (25 in territory controlled by Ukraine and 5 in territory occupied by the Russian Federation).
• At least 208 civilians were killed and 1,220 injured in Ukraine in September, making it the month with the highest number of civilian casualties (killed and injured) in 2024, continuing a trend of higher civilian casualties that started in July. Nine children were killed and 76 injured. Forty-six per cent of those killed were older than 60 years.• Attacks using missiles across the country and aerial glide bombs, particularly against the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, contributed to the high casualty numbers.• Near the frontline, attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) accounted for a large portion of the casualties. In the part of Kherson region controlled by the Government of Ukraine, half of civilian casualties were caused by UAV attacks. UAVs also caused civilian harm in occupied Donetsk and Horlivka (Donetsk region).• The vast majority of civilian casualties (92 per cent) and damage to educational and health facilities (96 per cent) in September continued to occur in territory controlled by Ukraine.• At least 30 attacks damaged or destroyed energy infrastructure (25 in territory controlled by Ukraine and 5 in territory occupied by the Russian Federation).
1 of 5
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
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
Press Release
31 October 2024
ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS IN UKRAINE MUST STOP
Last night, during an attack from the Russian Armed Forces, a multi-storey residential building was hit in Kharkiv. Reports of dozens of casualties include the killing of two children, despite the rescuers' efforts to save them. Just yesterday, I briefed the United Nations Member States on the critical situation in Ukraine and urged them to support humanitarian organizations responding to the people suffering the consequences of relentless attacks in the country. In the last 24 hours alone, scores of civilians have been killed and injured across the country — in the Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk, Sumy and Dnipro regions.International humanitarian law is clear: civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected. This senseless violence must end.
1 of 5
Press Release
04 November 2024
Germany and UNIDO deepen cooperation with a new project on the green industrial recovery of Ukraine
The signing ceremony took place in Vienna on 31 October and was attended by UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller, the Permanent Representative of Germany to UNIDO Rüdiger Reiner Bohn and Oleksandr Oborskyi from the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to UNIDO.During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Bohn remarked: “Ukrainian communities have borne the direct impact of war and destruction, but they also hold the key to recovery. By working at the local level, we empower communities to shape their future. This project will provide critical support to local authorities, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to advance green industrial growth.”Jointly implemented by the Government of Ukraine and UNIDO, the Green industrial recovery programme supports the development of a resilient, green and sustainable industrial sector in Ukraine. The programme focuses on creating opportunities for people, supporting businesses, attracting investment and fostering green economic growth. Through close collaboration with development and funding partners, including Germany, UNIDO delivers impactful projects across all thematic areas of its work through a strategic approach and integrated technical cooperation portfolio.Director General Müller noted, “This project marks another milestone in UNIDO and Germany’s efforts to support sustainable industrial development and assist the people of Ukraine during these challenging times. UNIDO stands ready to join forces with our partners and provide Ukraine with the needed support for a green industrial recovery.”Activities under the new project will build on the achievements of the initial BMZ-UNIDO cross-sectoral project phase, which established the analytical and regulatory framework for UNIDO’s operations in Ukraine. Within this cooperation, UNIDO conducted a comprehensive industrial diagnostic study of Ukraine, mapped the use of artificial intelligence across key sectors, developed a national framework of standards and technical regulations for Ukraine’s green reconstruction and applied a strategic approach for transitioning to a circular economy.The new project will strengthen the capacity of public sector and governmental institutions at both national and municipal levels to support green industrial recovery. By engaging regional development coordinators, this initiative aims to enhance the role of Ukrainian communities as drivers of sustainable development and inclusive growth.The project will also cooperate with the United Nations Environment Programme to support new joint sustainable development initiatives in the Carpathian region, as part of the joint declaration between UNIDO and the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention signed in 2023.Oleksandr Oborskyi, First Secretary of Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to UNIDO, concluded: “Faced with harsh realities, our people, entrepreneurs and industry leaders are determined for peace and swift recovery. We are grateful to Germany as a key donor to this project and to UNIDO for its active and consistent engagement in Ukraine, from the transfer of advanced technologies and the improvement of environmental performance among Ukrainian enterprises to empowering women and youth and creating jobs.”Media enquiries: Maksym Kytsiuk, National Communications Expert, UNIDO, m.kytsiuk@unido.org, +38063 576 1839.
1 of 5
Press Release
30 October 2024
Ukraine: Torture by Russian authorities amounts to crimes against humanity, says UN Commission of Inquiry
Previously, the Commission had concluded that the use of torture by Russian authorities constituted war crimes. Additional cases of torture against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war have established the use of torture in all areas under Russian control in Ukraine and in the detention facilities it has investigated in the Russian Federation. In its previous reports the Commission had established that the practice of torture by the Russian authorities was widespread. Common patterns also showed that it was systematic. These patterns concern the categories of persons targeted, the aim for which torture was used, and the methods employed.The Commission has now identified additional common elements. They concern the replication of violent practices used in Russian Federation detention facilities to similar facilities in areas under Russian control in Ukraine. Former detainees described consistently the same harsh practices designed to scare, break, humiliate, coerce, and punish.The evidence further demonstrates that Russian authorities have deployed specific services and security forces from the Russian Federation to various detention facilities in occupied areas they controlled in Ukraine. Those services and forces acted in a coordinated manner, and according to a specific division of labour, in perpetrating torture.Further, sexual violence as a form of torture, mostly against male detainees, has been recurrent in detention facilities operated by Russian authorities. One of them stated that he was subjected to electric shocks with taser on his genitals at least six times.Victims and witnesses made multiple references to the involvement of high-ranking detention facility officials, as well as to orders received by lower ranking personnel. Many of these officials perpetrated torture openly, with an apparent sense of impunity.The Chair of the Commission, Erik Møse, said: “Based on our evidence, we have found that the Russian authorities have acted pursuant to a coordinated state policy of torturing Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war and therefore committed crimes against humanity.”Victims described the physical pain and trauma, with long-lasting or irreparable consequences, and emphasised the immense psychological challenges they face.The Commission also found that in detention facilities held by Russian authorities, there has been a general absence or denial of medical assistance to detainees who were injured, ill, or required treatment after torture. A Ukrainian soldier told the Commission that, after having suffered a serious injury from a blast, his requests for medical assistance were ignored. Due to delayed medical treatment, part of his foot had to be amputated.Continuous, massive waves of attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine’s energy-related infrastructure have resulted in blackouts, at times affecting millions of civilians. The power cuts have, among other consequences, curtailed the enjoyment of the rights to health and education, with severe effects on children, older persons, persons living with disability or a medical condition. They described feelings of distress, anxiety, and isolation.The Commission has pursued its investigations of explosive weapons attacks that struck civilians and civilian objects, including medical and cultural objects that benefit from the protection of international law, on all sides of the frontline.We reiterate the importance of judicial and non-judicial accountability. Identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of crimes is key to ending the culture of impunity and an integral part of victims’ sense of justice.Read the full report 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 comprises Erik Møse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover.More information on the work of the Commission can be found here. For media requests and queries, please contact: In Vienna, Saule Mukhametrakhimova, Media Adviser, Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; at saule.mukhametrakhimova@un.org, (+43 -1) 26060-83450 or (+43-676) 3493464; or in New York: Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the UN Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, todd.pitman@un.org or (+41) 76 691 1761.
1 of 5
Press Release
28 October 2024
Norway and UNDP strengthen partnership to accelerate Ukraine's energy recovery
With Norwegian financial support totalling NOK 1.1 billion ($105 million), this partnership will ensure power generating capacity in Ukraine is restored, with direct support to key regions in Ukraine. This contribution will significantly mitigate the impact of ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As part of this strengthened partnership, solar panels will be installed to provide renewable backup power for schools and hospitals, while a recent agreement ensures the delivery of an additional 80 MW of capacity to the national power grid this winter. Through the UNDP Energy Recovery Programme, the provision of heat and water will meet the needs of over one million people and industrial consumers.‘Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has led to a critical need for increased energy production. There is a shortage of this type of equipment in the market. It is therefore an essential agreement with UNDP to support Ukraine this winter,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide in a press release from the Government of Norway.The production, transportation, and installation of the energy equipment are complex and high-risk processes, carried out by trusted partners, as this is life-saving and critical assistance to help Ukraine get through the upcoming winters.UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said: “We’re committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system by delivering critical energy infrastructure and generation capacity, while also promoting strategic initiatives to accelerate the transition to green energy,” Cilliers said. “Restoring critical energy infrastructure is essential, as people living in multi-story buildings in major cities have no alternative means of heating and water supply. The UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme, through which we provide support for Ukraine's energy recovery, is a testament to our commitment to fostering green recovery and ensuring energy security for all Ukrainians. We’re grateful to our partners for their continued support.”Background:
This significant contribution from Norway is facilitated under the Green Energy Recovery Programme, a U.S. $274 million initiative designed to address Ukraine’s urgent energy needs during ongoing attacks on its critical energy infrastructure. UNDP's multi-year, multi-donor energy programme focuses on two overarching priorities: the urgent provision of critical energy infrastructure and generation capacity, and strategic outputs to accelerate the transition to green energy. This dual approach aims to both mitigate immediate vulnerabilities and lay the groundwork for a sustainable energy future in Ukraine.With over 30 years of experience and a strong presence in Ukraine, UNDP integrates humanitarian and development goals to aid in recovery and reconstruction. Collaborating closely with state and local partners, UNDP focuses on inclusive, equitable, and sustainable approaches, facilitating essential services and promoting comprehensive rehabilitation.Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications. Email: yuliia.samus@undp.org
This significant contribution from Norway is facilitated under the Green Energy Recovery Programme, a U.S. $274 million initiative designed to address Ukraine’s urgent energy needs during ongoing attacks on its critical energy infrastructure. UNDP's multi-year, multi-donor energy programme focuses on two overarching priorities: the urgent provision of critical energy infrastructure and generation capacity, and strategic outputs to accelerate the transition to green energy. This dual approach aims to both mitigate immediate vulnerabilities and lay the groundwork for a sustainable energy future in Ukraine.With over 30 years of experience and a strong presence in Ukraine, UNDP integrates humanitarian and development goals to aid in recovery and reconstruction. Collaborating closely with state and local partners, UNDP focuses on inclusive, equitable, and sustainable approaches, facilitating essential services and promoting comprehensive rehabilitation.Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications. Email: yuliia.samus@undp.org
1 of 5
Press Release
21 October 2024
Ukrainian Students Learned About Human Trafficking Traps and Safe Migration Rules from IOM's Quest
In the first six months of 2024, IOM Ukraine identified and assisted 186 victims of trafficking, of whom 21 per cent were internally displaced persons. During the same period, the IOM-supported National Toll-Free Hotline for Countering Human Trafficking and Migrant Advice 527 provided 133,000 consultations in response to 29,000 calls, 55 per cent from displaced persons. During the phone consultations, 44 victims of human trafficking, exploitation and violence were preliminarily identified and referred for further assistance. IOM developed the educational quest based on its experience in countering human trafficking. In Kyiv, 150 students, organized into teams of 10, went through various stations throughout the day. At each station, they were able to gain new knowledge and develop skills that will make them more aware of human trafficking and help avoid risky situations in real life.“Our goal was to give participants real emotions and help them understand that such situations can happen to them personally,” said Alessia Schiavon, IOM Ukraine's Chief of Mission. “The problem of human trafficking is real and youth, people looking for work, displaced persons and the wider population in times of war need practical skills to prevent risky situations.” According to the IOM study, every second Ukrainian (52%) is at risk of being exploited as they are ready to accept at least one risky offer abroad or in Ukraine.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
01 October 2024
Resources
19 September 2024
1 / 11