United Nations 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:

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22 November 2024

16 DAYS AGAINST VIOLENCE: THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

Every year, on November 25, the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” begins. Its goal is to draw attention to the issue and call for action to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.

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Press Release

04 December 2024

‘In a world on fire, we must reset our relationship with people in crises’

(Geneva, 4 December 2024) An estimated 305 million people around the world will require humanitarian assistance in the coming year, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today, launching the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) for 2025.The appeal seeks $47 billion to provide life-saving aid in 32 countries and nine refugee-hosting regions.“In a world on fire, the most vulnerable – children, women, people with disabilities and the poor – are paying the heaviest price,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.“We must reset the world’s relationship with people in direst need,” Mr. Fletcher urged. “Their voices and agency must be at the heart of our response. We need a new level of global solidarity to fully fund these appeals, and bold political action to uphold international law. The humanitarian community is ready to deliver – for the war-weary survivor, the displaced family, the hungry child. We must make and win afresh the argument for humanity.”Armed conflicts are intensifying in frequency and brutality, forcing nearly 123 million people to flee their homes. Climate-induced disasters are ravaging communities, devastating food systems and driving mass displacement. Meanwhile, older crises remain unresolved, with the average humanitarian appeal now spanning a decade.The GHO for 2025 outlines carefully prioritized response plans, uniting over 1,500 humanitarian partners to provide critical assistance to 190 million people. Despite donors’ longstanding generosity, funding shortfalls persist. By November 2024, only 43 per cent of the $50 billion appeal for that year had been met.The consequences of underfunding are stark. 2024 saw an 80 per cent reduction in food assistance in Syria; cuts to protection services in Myanmar; diminished water and sanitation aid in cholera-prone Yemen; and escalating hunger in Chad.However, the single most important barrier for assisting and protecting people in armed conflicts is widespread violation of international humanitarian law. 2024 is already the deadliest year for humanitarian workers, surpassing last year’s death toll of 280. The vast majority of casualties are national aid workers.Yet, despite these challenges, humanitarian agencies reached nearly 116 million people in 2024, delivering vital food, shelter, healthcare, education and protection services.For further information, please contact:Jens Laerke (Geneva): +41 79 472 9750, laerke@un.orgEri Kaneko (New York): +1 917 208 8910, kaneko@un.org
Note for editors:Remarks on Ukraine from UN Emergency Relief CoordinatorGeneva, 4 December 2024During the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, Mr. Tom Fletcher, the newly appointed Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, addressed critical humanitarian needs worldwide, including in Ukraine.While outlining the scale of global humanitarian challenges, Fletcher identified Ukraine as one of the 14 crises requiring over $1 billion in aid in 2025. "Ukraine, DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo], Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Somalia, Venezuela, and Myanmar" require support alongside other critical emergencies.Reflecting on the disregard for international humanitarian law, Fletcher said, "It’s not just the ferocity of these conflicts—Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria—it’s about the wilful neglect of international humanitarian law." He noted the erosion of global norms and structures designed to protect civilians, saying, "That scaffolding is shaky at the moment."Tom Fletcher pointed out operational difficulties faced by humanitarian actors, saying, "We reckon 123 million people have been displaced forcibly by conflict. And among that group, violations against children are also at record levels." Parts of Ukraine, like other conflict zones, face significant obstacles in ensuring people in need can access aid.The ERC announced plans to visit Ukraine in early 2025 as part of his efforts to advocate for increased support and assess the situation first-hand "In the new year, I will be visiting Ukraine early on—it’s very high on the list."As he outlined the humanitarian system’s broader goals, he stressed the importance of renewed solidarity from traditional and emerging donors: "We’ve got to show them that responding to these crises in a practical, resourced way is the most effective way to deal with these crises."

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Publication

11 December 2024

Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — November 2024

At least 165 civilians were killed and 887 injured in Ukraine in November. Eight of the killed and 57 of the injured were children. While the November casualty number was lower than in October, it was significantly higher than in November 2023 (113 killed; 363 injured).The vast majority of civilian casualties (93 per cent) and damage to educational and health facilities (97.5 per cent) occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine.42 per cent of the casualties (65 killed; 372 injured) resulted from the use of long-range weapons (missiles and loitering munitions) launched by Russian armed forces, a significant increase from previous months. Civilian casualties from missiles and loitering munitions were recorded in 11 regions of Ukraine.Russian armed forces resumed large-scale, coordinated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The most recent attack before November occurred in August. Two attacks in November damaged 24 electricity generation and distribution facilities in 13 regions, including facilities involved in the conversion and transmission of electricity from nuclear power plants, resulting in emergency power outages in many regions and the resumption of daily scheduled power outages across the country.Around 57 per cent of casualties in November occurred near the frontline, mostly from aerial bombardments, artillery shelling, MLRS strikes and short-range drone attacks, with the highest numbers in Kherson and Donetsk regions. In Kherson region, attacks with short-range unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) killed and injured civilians on a near-daily basis, accounting for nearly half of the civilian casualties in the region in November.

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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

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Story

03 December 2024

“Cash support came as a lifeline in the hardest of times”

Every day brings fear and uncertainty to the people of Ukraine, especially those residing in cities, where attacks have intensified. For the residents of Sumy, in north-eastern Ukraine, this reality is all too familiar. The region continues to endure frequent strikes, causing significant destruction, loss of life and injuries. In this context, humanitarian needs have exacerbated, leaving communities in urgent need of protection and essential services.November 17 was an uneventful Sunday, until a strike hit a densely populated residential area in the city. People were killed and injured, also many homes suffered extensive damage, and forced families to leave their apartments.
"The strike came so fast, with such a roar and bang," says Lyudmyla, a retired woman living alone in an apartment in one of the affected residential buildings. "I jumped out of my bed. I grabbed my documents and ran to a safe place. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life."
The explosion severely damaged Lyudmyla’s apartment. The blast wave bent her front door, and her balcony was partially destroyed.
"I felt cold air coming into my apartment through the damaged door. I’m just grateful the balcony glass didn’t shatter on me," she says. Lyudmyla believes her cat saved her life. "He went out to the balcony just before the blast, and the open door might have absorbed some of the impact."Living alone on a small pension allowance, she felt overwhelmed by the challenge of repairing her damaged apartment and staying warm as winter temperatures began to drop—all while having to buy medicines, hygiene items and food.
  Immediate humanitarian response after the attack
In the wake of the attack, humanitarian organizations quickly mobilized to support the affected people. They provided food and water, immediate temporary window insulation, and psychological and legal assistance, helping residents like Lyudmyla navigate the immediate aftermath.


To help those affected cope with the hardships following the attack, several humanitarian organizations began registering the affected people for multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA). The humanitarian response was meant to support people who had lost their apartments and meet their basic needs such as food, medicines, clothing and other necessities. Eligible families received financial support amounting to 10,800 UAH (around US$250) per person over three months to cover essential expenses during this challenging time.
When Lyudmyla learned about the programme from her neighbours, she instantly reached out to the humanitarians. She was among the first to apply for emergency assistance. Aid workers registered vulnerable people like Lyudmyla, including people with disabilities, older people and others facing severe hardship. In Sumy City, three NGOs registered over 1000 applications after the attack that damaged Lyudmyla’s apartment.
“Our specialists tirelessly provided consultations on emergency aid,” says Olha Koreneva, Regional Program Coordinator at Right to Protection NGO. “Many were too shaken to seek help right away, but we made sure support was available when they were ready.”
Millions of war-affected people have received multi-purpose cash support in Ukraine since 2022Across Ukraine, over 100 humanitarian organizations are working to provide war-affected people with multi-purpose cash assistance. Since the war escalated in 2022, over 10.5 million people have been supported with a total amount of US$2.1 billion. Between 2022 and 2024, Ukraine's humanitarian response has heavily relied on MPCA to support those affected by the war. At the onset of the escalation of the war, multi-purpose cash was the most preferred and efficient modality of aid. In 2022 alone, nearly 6 million people were supported with MPSA assistance and over 4 million people in 2023, which constituted almost 40 per cent of the total humanitarian assistance at the time. An inter-agency Cash Working Group (CWG) in Ukraine has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts and developing guidelines and standard operating procedures to harmonize MPCA delivery across various regions, avoiding duplication and ensuring that the most vulnerable people receive aid. Today, MPCA remains a vital component of Ukraine's humanitarian response, providing flexible support that enables recipients to address their diverse needs amid the crisis.Meanwhile, Lyudmyla is preparing to return home: “During the first several days, I couldn’t bring myself to go back—it was too painful to face the destruction. I stayed with friends,” Lyudmyla shares. “But the support I’ve received from aid organizations and friends gives me hope to restore a sense of normalcy and eventually return home.”

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Story

19 November 2024

1,000 days of full-scale war in Ukraine: A call for sustained humanitarian aid amid escalating attacks

At the site of the recent attack in Dnipro City, in the east of Ukraine, Anastasiia, a mother of two, stands beside the ruins of a residential building, a haunting reminder of her loss.. Three of her neighbours lost their lives that day. The explosion’s blast damaged multiple homes, including her apartment. Anastasiia expresses her deep concern for her children’s safety. With winter rapidly approaching, she worries about keeping her family warm amidst relentless hostilities that disrupt basic services and affect daily lives.“Every day of the past 1,000 days has been a struggle to protect my children,” Anastasiia says. “I simply want them to feel safe and warm and have a place to call home.” As the full-scale war marks 1,000 days, hostilities across Ukraine continue to escalate, exacerbating humanitarian needs. Civilian infrastructure has been severely impacted, with those living in damaged or destroyed homes facing growing risks as temperatures plummet.The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, who arrived in Ukraine 100 days ago, regularly visits front-line regions and communities. Most recently, in Dnipro, Nikopol, and Zaporizhzhia, he once again witnessed firsthand the stark realities faced by people affected by the war. Amidst the rubble of residential buildings and the despair of those who have lost their homes, Schmale called for continued support of the people of Ukraine: “We must not normalize the war in Ukraine. We must continue to support this country to the best of our abilities.Unrelenting strain on lives and civilian infrastructure Since the escalation of hostilities on 24 February 2022, the people of Ukraine have endured immense hardships. Between February 2022 and September 2024, at least 12,000 civilians have lost their lives, and nearly 26,000 have been injured, including many children, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).Relentless attacks have caused extensive damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and critical civilian infrastructure, including energy and water systems, hampering essential services across the country.In early November, a geriatric nursing home in Sumy city in the north of Ukraine was damaged by an attack on the city. Andrii Lohvyn, the Head of the Sumy branch of the Proliska Humanitarian Mission and his team immediately arrived at the site of the attack, carefully following safety protocols to mitigate the risk of a double-tap strike threatening local residents, rescue workers, and aid teams providing assistance to those affected."There were 221 older people in the centre, most of them with limited mobility. The local authorities needed to evacuate them, so we, together with state services and other organizations, organized the transportation," says Andrii. "Hospitals, schools, apartment buildings, and private homes here are frequently targeted, which has a devastating impact on those who need protection the most. This is unacceptable." Over 3,400 schools and hospitals, and 2 million homes in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed. As winter approaches, with temperatures expected to drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, many residents remain in homes with leaking roofs, broken windows, and damaged walls, struggling to stay warm and safe. This situation is particularly dire for front-line communities, where conditions are far from suitable for living due to hostilities, with winter bringing a new layer of hardship. Large-scale systematic strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have significantly reduced electricity capacity, leaving millions of people nationwide facing frequent power outages.Meeting urgent needs: A humanitarian perspectiveHumanitarian organizations have intensified their efforts to address the urgent needs of people affected by the war, assisting 7.2 million people this year, including 1.7 million of those who had to flee their homes and over 850,000 people with disabilities. Their support includes providing food, clean water, shelter repair materials, as well as psychological and medical care, all aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by ongoing attacks.Amidst continuous disruption of essential services, humanitarian actors are working with local authorities to support hospitals, schools, and collective sites for displaced people. Aid workers are making concerted efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and older people. They provide psychosocial support and legal assistance to help affected people navigate the war’s devastating impacts. A Call for Continued Solidarity and SupportThe Humanitarian Coordinator urged the international community to maintain its support for Ukraine. “As long as the war continues, humanitarian needs will persist. Winter brings new challenges, and it is critical that we work closely with the government to support affected communities,” Schmale stated.“The humanitarian community is determined to deliver, complementing the vital public services provided by local and state actors,” he added, emphasizing the importance of sustained international solidarity and resources to alleviate the suffering of Ukraine’s people.Meanwhile, Anastasiia hopes that with the support of local authorities and aid workers, her building will soon be repaired, allowing her and her family to stay in their home and regain a sense of stability.

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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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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.

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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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Press Release

09 December 2024

Deadly attack in Zaporizhzia highlights risk to civilians from “glide bombs”, say UN Human Rights monitors

On 6 December, aerial glide bombs struck a car repair shop in Zaporizhzhia city, reportedly killing ten civilians and injuring 24, including three children. The blast wave and debris also damaged high-rise buildings, private homes, and shops. Aerial bombs usually carry large amounts of explosive material, making them highly destructive.“Yesterday’s attack in Zaporizhzhia is a clear example of why weapons with large amounts of explosive material should not be used in populated areas,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU. “When they are, they will cause civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.”From September to November, aerial bombs killed 108 civilians and injured 755 in Ukraine, accounting for 25 per cent of all civilian casualties in the period. For example, on 7 November, aerial glide bombs struck several residential areas in Zaporizhzhia city, killing at least nine civilians and injuring 42. One bomb struck an apartment building. Another bomb hit an oncology center where cancer patients were undergoing chemotherapy at the time, causing severe damage to the facility and injuries to staff and patients. The number of civilian casualties from aerial bombs has significantly increased compared with last year.According to HRMMU’s verified data, aerial bombs killed 341 civilians and injured 1,803 from 1 January through 30 November 2024, a threefold increase in fatalities and a sixfold increase in injuries from aerial bombs compared to 2023. The increase in the number of civilian casualties from such weapons in 2024 is the result of modifications that make aerial bombs glide instead of falling which extends their range. As a result, aerial bombs have struck cities further from the frontline. HRMMU documented civilian casualties from such bombs for the first time in Kharkiv city in early 2024, in Sumy city and region in August 2024, and in Zaporizhzhia city in September 2024.“The glider modifications have allowed Russian armed forces to use powerful aerial bombs in cities previously unreachable with such weapons”, said Bell. “As a result, civilians in major Ukrainian cities, such as Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, now face unprecedented threats, with highly destructive consequences”.

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Press Release

04 December 2024

Call for submissions by UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

The Commission is interested to hear directly from survivors, their relatives and witnesses who can share information about:Situations in which power outages resulting from attacks on energy-related infrastructure have caused great suffering or serious injury to the body or to mental health of civilians.Cases of torture and sexual and gender-based violence, with a focus on those who committed, ordered, or aided in the commission of these crimes.Situations concerning: Persons deported or transferred to the Russian Federation or territories under Russian control or occupation; Enforced disappearances and missing persons.Execution of persons hors de combat and prisoners of war.The Commission takes all possible measures to ensure protection of information, including through the use of appropriate information communication technologies. It attaches the utmost importance to the protection of sources, notably concerning the respect for confidentiality and the ‘do no harm’ principle, so as not to jeopardize the life, safety, freedom and well-being of victims, witnesses and other cooperating persons. It will only disclose the identity of cooperating persons if there is an informed consent from them and will use the information provided in accordance with their stated wishes.Not all information sent to the Commission will necessarily be reflected in the reports.In order to preserve the security and confidentiality of the information submitted, it is recommended to submit through the specific email address created by the Commission for this purpose: ohchr-submission-coiukraine@un.org Should you have any questions, including on how to submit information in a different way, please contact the Commission at: coi-ukraine@un.orgYou are invited to submit your information before 31 December 2024.The Commission will submit a comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council at its 58th session in March 2025. 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 queries please contact: Saule Mukhametrakhimova, Media Adviser, Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; at saule.mukhametrakhimova@un.org or +43-676 3493464.

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Press Release

29 November 2024

Plight of civilians as result of attacks on energy network

Thursday’s missile and long-range drone strikes reportedly caused damage in at least 13 regions, in addition to Kyiv City, and resulted in blackouts affecting more than one million consumers across the country. In some regions, essential services, including water and transportation, were disrupted.Since March, Ukraine’s energy production capacity has been targeted in waves of attacks, causing foreseeable and wide-ranging harm to civilians. As ever, the most vulnerable - older people, low-income households, people with disabilities and those who are internally displaced – have been particularly put at risk.As temperatures drop below freezing, and are likely to fall further, electricity and electricity-dependent services are even more critical for the survival of the civilian population.While the full impact of the latest strikes will only become clearer in due course, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has consistently followed up in the wake of such attacks, documenting the effects on electricity production, water distribution, heating and hot water, public health and education. In essence, the basics of daily life for millions of civilians, across the entire country.The High Commissioner reiterates that multiple aspects of the military campaign to damage or destroy Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure, including objects essential for civilian survival – such as heating facilities during the winter months – raise serious concerns regarding Russian forces’ respect of cardinal principles of international humanitarian law of distinction, precaution and proportionality in the conduct of hostilities. These recurring, systematic attacks must be investigated and anyone found responsible for serious violations should be held to account.We call again on the Russian Federation to immediately cease all attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure critical to the civilian population, for accountability for all unlawful attacks, and for the international community to prioritize support to Ukraine to repair and restore its energy systems.

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Press Release

21 November 2024

WHO and the World Bank launch new report assessing progress on health financing reforms implementation in Ukraine amid the war

Ukraine has maintained universal population coverage under the Program of Medical Guarantees (PMG), ensuring that all citizens and permanent residents can access health services included in the PMG improving protection against financial hardship from cost of healthcare. Central pooling of funds and their management by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) enabled continued financial coverage in territories affected by war that had lost their own locally generated revenues.Launched at a joint event in Kyiv, the report highlights the impact of the war on Ukraine’s health system and the challenging context in which health financing reforms continue to be implemented. This report is the third in a series of reports, jointly produced by WHO and the World Bank, assessing progress in reforming Ukraine’s health financing system since the reforms were launched in 2017.“Ukraine has sustained the universal health coverage through the Program of Medical Guarantees, ensuring that all citizens can access essential health services while strengthening protection against financial burden,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. "Through regional consultations, joined by local stakeholders across 10 Ukrainian oblasts, we have gathered local perspectives on the implementation of health financing reforms in Ukraine and explored ways forward. These consultations are crucial for tailoring health financing to meet regional needs, especially in frontline areas affected by the war. By adapting reforms to local contexts, we ensure that health systems not only remain functional but also play a vital role in supporting recovery where it is most needed."“Improving people’s health should be the main objective of health systems everywhere. This also includes making sure that we are protecting people from the often severe financial burden of out-of-pocket payments for medicines or other health costs,” said Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, WHO/Europe’s Director of Country Health Policies and Systems at the launch event. “This new report shows that effective health financing is key to achieving these goals—efficiency, transparency, accountability, and most importantly, equity when it comes to ensuring affordable access to health care. As Ukraine’s health system continues to face extraordinary challenges, resilience and equity in health financing are more important than ever to provide everyone, everywhere with the care they need it, whenever they need it.”“It is encouraging to see the Government’s commitment to the ongoing implementation of these ambitious health sector reforms to increase the efficiency of Ukraine’s healthcare system,” said Bob Saum, World Bank Country Director for Eastern Europe. “In the context of challenging budgetary restraints, improving the efficiency of public financing for health is the only way to ensure that Ukraine can look after its people, whose healthcare needs are growing as a direct result of Russia’s invasion. The continued rollout of these reforms will also prove critical for the modernization of the health system in line with Ukraine’s ambition to join the European Union.” “The task, which Ukraine's healthcare system has been for almost three years now, is to combine the priorities of peaceful life with the challenges of war, ensuring that Ukrainians have universal access to quality, affordable, and free medical care. And our healthcare system is managing this task. In particular, thanks to changes in financing approaches, which allow us to be adaptive and flexible in decision-making. Despite the war, we continue implementing reforms: last year, we completed the formation of a capable network of healthcare facilities, allowing for more efficient use of available resources. The state budget for 2025 envisages a significant increase in healthcare spending: an additional 6.3 billion UAH will be directed to expand the “Affordable Medicines” Program and modernize medical infrastructure. The total amount of expenditures will exceed 217 billion UAH, of which more than 175.5 billion UAH will be allocated to finance the Program of Medical Guarantees, which is 16.8 billion UAH more than last year. Regular progress reports on the implementation of health financing reforms in Ukraine by WHO and the World Bank serve as a kind of compass, helping us understand whether we are moving in the right direction. The positive assessments I heard today motivate us to work even harder to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system,” said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.The report highlights that health financing reforms, initiated in Ukraine in 2017 are on the right track. These reforms have played a critical role in strengthening the resilience of the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war. The report underscores the importance of safeguarding public financing and investment in health, particularly in the challenging war context. Preserving human capital is essential for Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery and social cohesion.However, the fiscal space for government health spending will remain limited due to the war’s economic impact and the need to prioritize defense and security spending. Moving forward, health financing reforms need to prioritize efficiency of spending, maximizing health for the money while also emphasizing equity in access, financial protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket payments, and improving quality of services. The review recommends several policies and actions from a health financing toolkit to help take reforms forward, and improve health system performance across these key health financing objectives.Strengthening primary health care (PHC)Strong PHC is important for efficiency and equity of health system. The review recommends actions to make it easier for the people to sign-up and change their PHC providers, to support sustainable financing of PHC, implement incentives for improved performance, update clinical guidelines to improve quality and cost-effectiveness of care, provide additional measures to support PHC in the areas of high IDP concentration as well in war-affected areas with very low population. As PHC is the gateway to the rest of the health system for the population, the report highlights that Ukraine needs to build on its success of 86% of population having signed declarations with PHC providers and achieve universal registration. Internally displaced people require special attention to ensure their access to PHC as less than 20% of IDPs had changed their registration to a provider at their new location.Ensuring transparent and accountable institutionsThe report suggest that the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) can step up policies and actions as a more proactive purchaser of services based on oblast level health needs assessments, increasing NHSU capacity in regional offices, consolidating purchasing of complex services in higher volume and better quality facilities while maintaining geographical access for population, and improving financial incentives for efficiency and quality.Strong, transparent and accountable institutions are crucial for reform success. The review recommends establishing a governance body for strategic oversight over PMG processes and NHSU performance; and, to revise regulations and internal procedures to ensure transparent, evidence-informed, formal and timely processes for decision making concerning the PMG. To be able to execute its functions properly, the NHSU needs to be adequately resourced beyond the current 0.11% of total PMG expenditures, 10 times less than in comparable European countries.The report also outlines policy considerations for Ukraine to "build back better," with a focus on modernizing health service delivery, optimizing hospital networks, and strengthening institutions.Background information:While developing the report, multiple discussions were held between WHO and the World Bank experts, including meetings held in Barcelona in October 2023, Kyiv in January 2024 and Vienna in April 2024. Additional technical consultations were organized with national authorities including the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Health Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.Additionally, WHO and the World Bank held regional roundtables in Odesa, Dnipro, and Kyiv in July 2024 to gather local insights on the implementation of the health financing reform in Ukraine. These regional consultations brought national and local policy-makers, primary health care and specialized care providers, and health facility owners from ten Ukrainian regions, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Lviv, Rivne, Vinnytsia, Poltava to discuss primary and specialized care financing, the implementation of the Affordable Medicines Programme, and the role of the NHSU. Feedback from these discussions has been incorporated into this third joint health financing review - a series of reports, jointly produced by WHO and the World Bank, assessing the progress in health financing reforms, since their launch in Ukraine in 2017.Key takeaways from the consultations:The ongoing war impacts regions differently.Health financing adjustments are needed for more affected areas.Sufficient and equitable financing for PHC, including affordable medicines, delivers the best value for money.Developing a capable provider network is an opportunity for better quality and efficiency.Stronger NHSU interregional presence would enable more effective regional communication on health needs and provider capacities.The report has been produced with the financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through the “Sustaining Health Sector Reform in Ukraine” project; the Government of Canada, and the European Union as part of the project “Health System Development in Ukraine” and within the Universal Health Coverage Partnership.To access the report, please follow the link.

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