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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Press Release

06 September 2024

UN Human Rights Monitors Report Extensive Civilian Harm from Recent Attacks

The high casualty numbers follow a sharp increase in civilian deaths and injuries over the summer. HRMMU’s monthly update on civilian harm, published today, shows that 184 civilians were killed and 856 injured in August alone, the second highest monthly casualty number in 2024 after July.“Powerful missiles and bombs have struck populated areas, killing and injuring civilians across the country”, said Head of HRMMU Danielle Bell. “Targeted attacks on Ukraine's electricity infrastructure have again triggered lengthy nationwide power cuts while recent attacks have destroyed or damaged hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and critical energy infrastructure.”On 26 August, Russian armed forces launched one of the largest coordinated aerial attacks across Ukraine since February 2022. The attack killed eight civilians and injured at least 23, in addition to damaging at least twenty-five energy facilities 15 regions of Ukraine. Subsequent attacks across Ukraine have also resulted in numerous civilian casualties. On 30 August, for example, aerial bombs struck four districts of Kharkiv city, killing 6 civilians and injuring at least 44. On 1 September, multiple missiles struck Kharkiv city, killing one medical worker and injuring at least 11 civilians. On 4 September, attacks with multiple weapons killed seven civilians and injured 62 in Lviv city, in the city’s first civilian casualty incident since February 2024.While the vast majority of civilian casualties have occurred in areas controlled by Ukraine, HRMMU has also recorded reports of civilian casualties in territory occupied by the Russian Federation and in the Russian Federation. For example, on 4 September, an attack struck a market in occupied Donetsk city, killing four civilians, including two children, and injuring another seven civilians. An attack on Belgorod city in the Russian Federation on 30 August killed 5 persons and injured dozens according to local reports. HRMMU has not been able to verify the Belgorod figures. Attacks since 26 August have killed 6 and injured 43 children during the back-to-school period. For example, a girl was among the seven killed in the 4 September attack in the western city of Lviv which also killed her mother, her two sisters aged 18 and 21 and injured their father. The same damaged three schools, only two days after Ukrainian children returned to school.“Across Ukraine the joy and excitement of going back to school has been marred by air raid sirens and explosions,” said Bell.

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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.

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Story

13 September 2024

Story of a School: Rebuilding for the Future

With the support of UNOPS and the European Union, the school is being restored, offering a beacon of hope amid the ongoing challenges.In the heart of Kharkiv, a school that once brimmed with life and energy has become a quiet monument to the challenges faced during war. The courtyard, where children used to joyfully ride their bikes, now lies mostly silent. Once, the playground was a hub of activity, hosting a unique cycling program that engaged students, teachers, and even the head teacher, Alla Zub. Some students became local champions, their victories celebrated by the entire school community.But today, two and half years after Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, the scene has drastically changed. The playground stands mostly empty, with only a few local children who still live nearby occasionally visiting. It serves as a quiet testament to the devastating impacts the war has had on this school and the surrounding communities. In total, the school has been struck three times. The most devastating strike occurred in August 2022. Missiles hit the building – shattering windows, damaging walls and destroying the ceiling. Thankfully, the building was empty, sparing lives but leaving behind destruction and a deep sense of uncertainty. “This was about a month into the invasion – a terrible time for Kharkiv. We were scared and confused, not sure what to do,” recalls Alla Zub, the head teacher. This school once educated over 770 students, including children with disabilities. The facilities were equipped to ensure a comfortable learning environment for every student, including an accessible elevator. Today, many students are scattered across different parts of the world, while some now attend makeshift classrooms in the Kharkiv metro. Both the students and staff alike, including Alla, long for the day they can return to their beloved school.“I am in touch with many of the families, and I can tell how much they want to go back to normal,” says Alla.“Going to school and socializing with your peers is such an essential childhood experience. It pains me to see how kids are being deprived of it. Ever since the Covid[-19] pandemic four years ago, we’ve had to deal with constant disruption, and it takes a toll on everyone involved: children, parents and teachers.” Despite the destruction, and the disruption to many lives, hope has not been lost. Thanks to the School Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, the school has been repaired. Damaged windows and doors have been replaced, classrooms renovated, and new modern furniture installed. The building, now restored, stands ready to welcome students once more, even if the day of their returns remains uncertain. The restoration of this school is part of a broader effort to repair educational facilities across Ukraine. The project has already completed work on 26 schools in four regions, with plans to restore over 75 schools in total. "Education is the cornerstone of development and prosperity, which is why the EU is committed to ensuring that Ukrainian children have access to quality learning, despite all the challenges posed by Russia's invasion," says Marianna Franco, Head of the European Union Humanitarian Aid Office in Ukraine. "We believe that schools need to be repaired as soon as possible. We are also supporting the establishment of appropriate shelters so that learning environments are as safe as possible and children in Ukraine can pursue their dreams and ambitions".For now, the school remains empty, maintained by a skeleton staff. The older students continue their education online, which has proven difficult due to unreliable technology and frequent power outages caused by ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Younger students face the choice between online learning or attending classes in the city’s metro stations – a solution that requires families to navigate logistical hurdles and anxieties related to travelling further distances in a war zone.Yet, in the silence, there is still hope. “The repairs give me, and I hope others too, a sense of hope for the future. We are one step closer to normality, closer to the way things used to be,” reflects Alla. This initiative, which represents a significant investment in Ukraine's future, aims to create safe, welcoming environments where children can continue their education without interruption.“Schools are often at the heart of their local communities, and so helping repair them is a great privilege for us. This project still has much work to do, but the team remains committed to completing our support to all our nominated schools to the highest degree of quality, as quickly as possible,” explains Paul Cruickshank, Senior Project Manager. “At all times, we remain keenly aware that the sites we work at are part of a critical social fabric," he adds.As the school looks forward to welcoming its students back, the community holds onto the hope that one day, the laughter and energy of the children will once again fill the courtyard. Until then, the building stands as a testament to the resilience of a community that refuses to let war extinguish its spirit.About the projectThe Schools Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, aims to repair educational facilities that have been damaged during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This $30 million initiative is being implemented in the regions of Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv, focusing on schools requiring light to medium repair work.The primary objective of the project is to provide access to repaired school facilities which will increase the proportion of children receiving face-to-face education. By rehabilitating more than 75 schools, the project will help restore facilities to a safe and welcoming environment where children can continue their education without interruption.

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Publication

15 April 2024

Annual Recovery Results Report 2023 - United Nations in Ukraine

- Foreword by the Resident Coordinator - In the third year of the full-scale Russia’s invasion, the
scourge of war is still bringing untold suffering and sorrow
to the people of Ukraine. The invasion, launched in violation
of the UN Charter and international law, has left thousands
of civilians killed and injured, caused massive destruction of
infrastructure, including hundreds of thousands of homes,
hospitals and schools, and deeply traumatized people regardless
of proximity to the front line. The war has shattered
the Ukrainian economy; rolling back development gains
made over the past years and plunging nearly 25 per cent
of people into poverty.The people of Ukraine are taking upon themselves the
monumental task to recover from the devastation caused
by the invasion. With remarkable and inspiring determination,
and no matter if they are close to the front line or in
communities where they have found safety and security,
Ukrainians are supporting one another to ensure their
communities are functioning, small shops are running,
schools are repaired and rebuilt with shelters so children
can attend in-person, hospitals and clinics reconstructed,
roads and bridges repaired and agricultural land and critical
and social infrastructure demined.The UN, the humanitarian community and our development
partners continue to work non-stop to ensure people enduring
the horrors of the war receive the support they need to
address their most immediate needs and also create the
conditions for their recovery. In 2023, more than 11 million
people received life-saving humanitarian assistance. This
achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts
of over 500 organizations – nearly 70 per cent of them
Ukrainian NGOs - our close collaboration with the authorities,
and the timely support of our donors.We have also scaled up our efforts to support recovery, with
more and more activities that provide people with durable
solutions and ensure they can get back on their feet. The UN
made significant contributions to Ukraine’s journey towards
a prosperous future: supporting strong data collection and
analysis to inform recovery priorities – including the third
Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) and the
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Kakhovka
Dam’s destruction; creating platforms to engage communities
in the decision-making and forums to bring together
Government, donors and civil society; supporting small
businesses; repairing vital infrastructure; and contributing
to demining efforts and beyond.The UN –our 3,000 employees and 24 agencies – is determined
to continue supporting the Government’s recovery
priorities with investments in Ukraine’s communities, human
capital and national systems, and ensure recovery takes
into consideration the specific needs of women, people
with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Despite the progress, these efforts are not enough to stop
the suffering and devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The world – and the international
community – cannot accept war as the new reality. Living
under constant bombardment, constant fear, is not normal.
For this reason, war as a state of existence for people in
Ukraine, must not be normalized. Every effort must continue
towards a just peace in line with the UN Charter.

Denise Brown
Resident Coordinator
United Nations in Ukraine

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Story

19 September 2024

"I forgot to close the door." An evacuee’s rush to safety in Ukraine

Home to some 14,000 people, Mezhova is already hosting 5,000 internally displaced people. Angelina, 87, recently arrived at a transit centre in Mezhova. She fled her hometown, Myrnohrad, following a mandatory evacuation order due to intense fighting. “I had to leave my home in a hurry, but I forgot to close the door,” she confided, her voice trembling. She is worried about her cat and two dogs that she left behind, hoping her neighbour can care for them. “She’s not well herself, but I pray she won’t abandon my pets,” Angelina added. Despite her circumstances, Angelina is determined to return home. “I need to go back soon; my entire library is there,” she said, not fully grasping that it may be some time before she can return. The war escalated near Myrnohrad in early August, with no end in sight.
Local authorities in the neighbouring Dnipropetrovsk Region have established transit centres, including the one in Mezhova. These centres offer evacuees temporary refuge as they wait to be transported to safer areas of Ukraine. They receive food, hygiene kits, psychological support, legal aid and other essential services from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Some evacuees, like Angelina, will eventually be hosted at collective sites; or they will find their own accommodation. During a recent visit to the region, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, visited the Mezhova transit centre and a former transit centre in Pokrovsk Town, located about 30 km away in the Donetsk Region. Two nights before his visit, an attack by the Russian Armed Forces severely damaged the Pokrovsk Town transit centre, rending it functional. “This is unacceptable,” said Mr. Schmale. “People must be safe in places like this.” In meetings with the regional authorities of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Regions, Mr. Schmale reiterated that the humanitarian community would continue assisting people affected by the war, complementing the Government’s response.

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Story

22 August 2024

Helping Kharkiv’s Residents See a Brighter Future

The city of Kharkiv, once home to 1.5 million people, became one of the first major Ukrainian cities to face the full brunt of the Russian invasion in February 2022. It endured months of relentless shelling and missile strikes, leaving behind a trail of devastation and displacement. The threat to Kharkiv remains constant. The city continues to be targeted by strike drones, missiles and gliding bombs, many of which evade air defenses due to Kharkiv's proximity to the Russian border.With funding from the government of Japan, UNOPS has been working since 2023 to restore housing in Kharkiv. The project focuses on repairing buildings damaged in 2022 that retain structural integrity – replacing windows and doors, and fixing roofs and facades. The goal is to provide residents with safe and habitable living spaces and help revitalize communities shattered by war.Lilia Netesa, a team leader working on the repairs highlights the challenges she faces and the impact of the project on her life and the lives of the residents. "In 2022, Kharkiv's Northern Saltivka district was hit very hard. It was practically destroyed, and the people of an entire district practically became homeless. It requires very serious restoration, up to rebuilding entire neighborhoods," Lilia explains.Despite the ongoing war and the uncertainty it brings, Lilia and her team continue their work, providing a vital lifeline for the community. "The residents are anxious about the situation at the frontlines. They had doubts about the project continuing after the recent assault in May," Lilia shares. "But when their windows arrived, they were overjoyed. It brought a sense of hope and certainty."Lilia's daily life is a constant reminder of the war's impact. "One of the difficulties I face has to do with commuting to work. Sometimes I set off in the morning, and when I arrive in Kharkiv, I find that the city is paralyzed because it is being attacked. This brings transport to a halt, including the metro system. No-one can get anywhere," she explains. "Then there are power outages: sometimes they’re scheduled, sometimes they aren’t. Our energy system is badly damaged, and when a new attack hits, the power can go out without notice." These disruptions create economic hardship: "Jobs are scarce, wages are low, prices are inflated," Lilia adds.The project's impact extends beyond providing safe housing. It offers employment to construction workers, like Lilia and her colleagues, and engages a local NGO in community mobilisation work, contributing to the local economy and providing a sense of purpose during a difficult time. "This project isn't just about restoring housing. It's about reviving the community," explains Oleh Hryshchenko, UNOPS civil engineer overseeing the repair work. "It's critical support for Kharkiv and its people in these trying times." The project is repairing several hundred apartments, as well as common areas and building exteriors in around a dozen multi-apartment buildings. With extra funding from the government of Japan, the project was extended until December 2024 and will continue to provide essential support to the people of Kharkiv, helping them rebuild their lives and their city."Kharkiv is a pioneer in demonstrating how emergency response and recovery go hand in hand," says Simon Porter, Director a.i. of the UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office. "The UN family is working closely with local authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and support early recovery efforts. Our project with Japan is a vital part of this effort. They are helping to keep the city running and, in the near future, it is hoped, to flourish."About this projectIn response to the ongoing war and the harsh winter conditions in Ukraine, UNOPS, in partnership with the government of Japan, launched a comprehensive winterization project aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in the Kharkiv region. In collaboration with local partners, this project addresses the urgent need for restoring critical infrastructure and providing essential supplies to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.The primary focus of this initiative is to repair and revitalize multi-apartment buildings in Kharkiv’s Kyivskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts, which have suffered extensive damage due to ongoing shelling and missile attacks. These repairs are crucial for providing safe, warm, and secure homes for thousands of residents before the harsh winter fully sets in. The project includes the restoration of around 1520 buildings, focusing on the repair of windows, walls, and utility systems.

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Story

18 August 2024

Act For Humanity

This year’s theme for World Humanitarian Day (WHD), 19 August, underscores the critical importance of respecting international humanitarian law (IHL), which requires the protection of civilians and the humanitarian workers who assist them during war. WHD features a global call to #ActForHumanity and protect civilians, which resonates strongly with the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. IHL is clear on the obligations to protect civilians, but millions of people bear the brunt of the violence every day as the war continues. The humanitarian community in Ukraine organized a photo exhibition that portrays the war’s devastating impact on civilians and humanitarian workers operating near the front line. Here, we feature a selection of these images.More than 2 million homes have been damaged or destroyed across Ukraine. "I was away when my house was destroyed," says Valentyna, a teacher from Kyselivka village who now works online. Unable to repair her home, Valentyna converted her animal shed into living quarters. Aid workers provided her with emergency cash to purchase a door, windows, roofing and construction materials, basic furniture and household items.According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, the homes of more than 2 million families have been damaged or destroyed across Ukraine due to continued attacks since February 2022.

Health-care facilities have suffered almost 2,000 attacks since 24 February 2022. "Just a day before our maternity care centre was hit, I had been there helping a woman deliver her baby. The next day, our centre was destroyed," says Iryna, the centre’s Director. She is devastated that a modern and bustling facility is now in ruins. The war is having an enormous impact on health care in Ukraine. The World Health Organization has verified 1,920 attacks on health care since 24 February 2022, resulting in 161 deaths and 498 injuries as of 13 August 2024. The most recent incidents include a missile strike that destroyed the Ohmatdyt National Children's Hospital, and attacks that damaged health facilities in Kyiv.The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. "Of 11 schools in our town, 6 have been destroyed," says Olesia, an elementary school teacher from the Kharkiv Region. Her classroom is now in ruins. The war is severely disrupting education and undermining children’s future. The Ukrainian government reports that some 4,000 educational institutions have been damaged and 365 destroyed.Aid workers often operate in areas where conditions are perilous and needs are most acute. The war continues to disrupt and destroy lives and exacerbate humanitarian needs across Ukraine. According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Ukraine, 14.6 million people, including 3.2 million children, urgently require humanitarian assistance. Local aid workers are at the forefront of the response. Their efforts are critical in reaching people most in need, especially in areas along the front line, where people have little to no capacity to provide for themselves.These dedicated people risk their lives daily while their own families grapple with the impact of the war.Globally, 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and tragically, 2024 is on track to be even worse. In Ukraine, since February 2022, at least 25 aid workers have been killed, and 66 have been injured. “I will continue as long as it’s needed, because people need help,” says Iryna. She works day and night to support people displaced by the intensified hostilities that took place in the Kharkiv Region in May 2024. She joined a local humanitarian organization last year following the death of her husband. He was a front-line response volunteer killed during an aid distribution. The international community’s support is vital in responding to people’s needs, but it is not enough. Protecting civilians and aid workers must be a priority. IHL is clear: civilians must be protected. The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals, schools and humanitarian facilities, is a serious violation of international law. World leaders must not forget the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, they must not normalize the war, and they must increase efforts to ensure that civilians are protected, humanitarian aid is provided and, ultimately, a path to lasting peace is in place.

FootnotesThe images featured in this story are part of a photo exhibition at the Kyiv Architect’s House, 7 Hrinchenka Street, Kyiv and online. The exhibition runs until 1 September 2024. Text by Viktoriia Andriievska and Tanya Lyubimova, edited by Nina Doyle.

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31 July 2024

Supporting resilience in Ukraine's Mykolaiv City

More than two years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation for many communities across the country remains incredibly challenging. Relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure and services – including health, education and energy facilities – have left communities grappling with regular blackouts, faltering water supply and the prospect of a harsh winter.For Mykolaiv City, besieged in 2022 and left without its main source of freshwater since the early months of the invasion, these challenges are extremely acute. Recovery efforts are hindered by constant further threats.“The major factor here is that we face aerial attacks. We’ve had them before and we can’t rule out new ones,” says Mykola Lohvinov, Director of Mykolaivoblteplo-energo, the municipal heating company.To help safeguard critical heat generation capabilities during the cold winter months, UNOPS recently delivered six multi-fuel mobile boiler houses to Mykolaiv City’s heating company. These units are capable of being moved around the city and connected to the grid where capacity is lost due to attacks or breakdowns – providing a crucial backup for heat generation. UNOPS provided similar units in 2023. “These boiler houses can be moved around and redeployed, ensuring uninterrupted heating for Mykolaiv’s citizens,” explains Mykola. “The war continues, but we have always recognized that Ukraine’s recovery could not wait and had to begin as soon as possible,” explains Simon Porter, Director a.i. of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Ukraine. “Through our partnership with Denmark in Mykolaiv we are helping put in place the foundations of a better future while addressing the challenges of today,” adds Simon Porter.Recognizing ongoing needs, the Danish government has extended the work under this partnership through to mid-2025, allocating an additional $4.4 million for the procurement of equipment and supplies.The delivery of mobile boiler houses marks another milestone in the ongoing cooperation between UNOPS and the government of Denmark, which has provided over $17 million in assistance to Mykolaiv and the surrounding region.“We want the people of Mykolaiv to achieve a new standard of living and enjoy a comfortable life here,” says Jakob Torrild Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv.Through this partnership, UNOPS has been working to address critical needs in Mykolaiv and the surrounding region since late 2022. This has included delivering generators to power essential municipal sites, mobile heating units to keep hospitals and schools warm, city buses, utility vehicles, fire extinguishing equipment, and water supply solutions – all aimed at maintaining essential community systems.Beyond the procurement of essential equipment and supplies, UNOPS is also implementing a comprehensive community restoration project in Mykolaiv, together with the government of Denmark and local partners. This project covers repairs to residential buildings, common areas and schools. It aims to reinvigorate Mykolaiv's neighbourhoods by ensuring people have safe homes, while creating employment opportunities and improving access to education.

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A staff member of Mykolaivoblteploenergo examines the equipment inside one of the boiler houses

Story

05 July 2024

Ukraine's Kharkiv transit centre: Finding comfort after fleeing home

By Viktoriia Andriievska and Tanya Lyubimova  Evacuees and aid workers at the centre share their stories. Valentyna: Leaving everything behindValentyna, 65, arrived at the transit centre from Okhrymivka village, located just 4 km from the border. She and her daughter fled in a car arranged by a family friend.   "Those were terrible days when we had to hide in the basement of our house because of the constant bombardments," she recalled. "We left in a rush with only a small bag of things. Now we have to get everything, from toothbrushes to clothes."  Fighting back tears, Valentyna spoke about what they had to leave behind. "We had a house and a well-maintained garden where we grew our own vegetables. That helped us to get by. Leaving this all behind, knowing my friends and extended family are still there, is truly the hardest thing," she said.  Their friend found them a modest apartment in Kharkiv City. At the transit centre, Valentyna registered for cash assistance and received aid, including bedding and basic household items. Humanitarian response in Kharkiv City Since 10 May, nearly 50 humanitarian organizations have collaborated to support evacuations and provide assistance at the transit centre and temporary accommodation sites.   After months of hostilities, many people, particularly older people and those with disabilities, have depleted almost all their resources. “People were evacuated, with the support of aid organizations, and some arrived using their own means,” explained Iryna, an aid worker from the Relief Coordination Centre. She joined the team last year after her husband, a volunteer in the Kharkiv Region, was killed during evacuations in the Kupiansk district.  “At the transit centre, people receive food, water, clothes, mattresses, bedding, household items, hygiene and other things they need,” she added. Humanitarian partners also provide access to psychosocial support and legal assistance, including housing, land and property as compensation for damaged and destroyed property. Organizations conduct on-site referrals and case management when needed. Yaroslav, from the non-governmental organization (NGO) FHI360, said: “Many people who come here are older people. Some people have been displaced more than once. They are under a lot of stress; some are severely traumatized or have panic attacks.” Psychologists are available at the centre from morning until night to provide support.  Humanitarian partners also help out at Kharkiv’s railway station, referring people who fled by their own means and may need support. Multipurpose cash assistance Cash is one of the most requested types of assistance at the transit centre.Anatolii, an aid worker from the NGO Right to Protection, explained: “In a humanitarian context like in Ukraine, cash is usually the preferred option because people fleeing homes have different needs. This cash means they can buy the things they most need. For some people it may be clothes or food; for others, medicines.” The nearly 5,000 people who registered for cash assistance between 10 and 30 May typically received the money within a week.   The humanitarian multipurpose cash assistance programme in Ukraine is one of the world’s largest, involving almost 50 humanitarian organizations. Since February 2022, partners have provided multipurpose cash support to more than 10 million people.   Feeling safe and protected in a temporary shelter   “Most of the people who evacuated have found shelter in the homes of their relatives and friends,” said Iryna. “Those who had nowhere to go have been housed in collective centres set up in dormitories and other available premises fit to serve as temporary accommodation.”  Since mid-May, nearly 1,000 people, including more than 70 children and 140 people with limited mobility, have been accommodated in 46 collective centres in and around Kharkiv City.   At these centres, people receive food packages, hot meals, water, hygiene and household supplies, cash assistance, medical care and mental health support. Aid workers monitor the sites and arrange the necessary assistance.  “All the hygiene supplies – everything we need – is in these boxes, clothes as well. Even some colourful hairpins!” said Tamara. She and her husband, Nikolay, secured a family room in a collective centre after their home in Slobozhanske was damaged by four attacks and left in ruins. Vita, a Ukrainian Red Cross volunteer from Vovchansk, noted: “The needs are growing as more and more people arrive.” She fled with her family in the first days of the evacuations and now dedicates all her time to supporting others.  “I will continue as long as it’s needed. These are my people and they need help.” 

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Press Release

01 October 2024

PROTECT CIVILIANS AMIDST WAR

Yet again, another unfathomable attack of the Russian Armed Forces killed and injured civilians, this time at the start of their day at a busy marketplace in Kherson City, south of Ukraine. The market and a public transport stop were also damaged.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion by Russian forces in 2022, thousands of people going about their daily lives in markets, schools and hospitals have never returned home due to the impact of the war.

Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop.

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Press Release

28 September 2024

UN Human Rights Monitors Deplore Deadly Attacks on Medical Facilities in North-Eastern Ukraine

On the morning of 28 September, two loitering munitions impacted the Saint Panteleimon Clinical Hospital in Sumy approximately 45 minutes apart. Most of the fatalities occurred during the second explosion, which hit as first responders arrived at the site and patients attempted to evacuate.“Today’s horrific strike on a hospital, with first responders and patients caught in the second explosion, highlights the ongoing disregard for the special protections afforded to medical facilities under international humanitarian law”, said Danielle Bell, the Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). “Just last week, I was in Sumy following up on the 19 September attack on the Sumy Geriatric Boarding House, which tragically affected vulnerable older residents”, she added.Sumy city and the surrounding region have faced increased attacks since Ukrainian armed forces launched an incursion into Kursk, a neighboring region in the Russian Federation, on 6 August.Today’s attack is the third affecting medical facilities in Sumy since that date. On 13 August, a missile impacted a hospital complex in the city, damaging three medical institutions: the Sumy Regional Clinical Hospital for War Veterans, the Sumy Regional Children's Hospital, and the Sumy Regional Clinical Cardiology Center.On 19 September, another attack struck the Sumy Geriatric Boarding House for War and Labor Veterans, located near the hospital complex damaged on 13 August. This strike also damaged the Sumy Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary and the Sumy Regional Children's Hospital. The HRMMU has verified that one civilian was killed and 13 were injured in the 19 September attack.Medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law and are entitled to special protection. They must not be the object of attacks.“These repeated and deadly attacks are causing immeasurable suffering to civilians and seriously impacting essential health services. It is imperative that these violations cease immediately and that those responsible are held to account,” Bell concluded.Since 6 August, HRMMU has documented that 42 civilians have been killed and 153 injured in the Sumy region.

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Press Release

23 September 2024

UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine finds additional evidence of common patterns of torture by Russian authorities

The wide geographic spread of locations and the prevalence of shared patterns in the way torture is committed demonstrate that torture has been used as a common and acceptable practice with a sense of impunity, the Commission said in its latest update to the Human Rights Council today. The Commission’s further investigation into cases of torture provides evidence that Russian authorities committed torture in the Ukrainian regions where they have taken control of territories. The new evidence reinforces the Commission’s previous finding that torture committed by Russian authorities has been widespread.The Commission has identified additional common elements in the use of torture by Russian authorities, reinforcing its earlier finding that this was systematic. One element is the consistency of violent practices imposed in detention centres where detainees from Ukraine have been held in the Russian Federation, and the replication of these practices in several large penitentiary centres in occupied areas of Ukraine.Another common element emerging from the evidence points towards a coordinated use of personnel from specific services of the Russian Federation involved in torture in all the detention facilities investigated by the Commission. A further common feature is the recurrent use of sexual violence, mainly against male victims, as a form of torture in almost all of these detention centres. Moreover, the Commission notes testimonies of former detainees about penitentiary personnel in the Russian Federation referring to orders to inflict brutal treatment. Testimonies also illustrate that in some detention facilities higher ranking Russian authorities ordered, tolerated, or took no action to stop such treatment. A civilian man subjected to torture for ten consecutive days told the Commission: "The scariest thing was that the perpetrators were doing everything in silence, and very professionally. I understood they were doing this to many people, and they did not perceive us as human beings.” These violations have left many of the victims with grave or irreparable physical harm and trauma. Most of them emphasised the deep psychological impact of these experiences for them and their families. Some victims reported immense challenges in reintegrating into the society and relating to their loved ones. They invoked a need for psychological and social support for themselves and their families. The Commission has also continued its documentation of attacks with explosive weapons affecting civilian objects in populated areas with devastating consequences. It investigated attacks that struck medical institutions, cultural objects, residential buildings, and supermarkets in territories under Ukrainian Government control.Pursuing its investigation of Russian Federation’s large-scale waves of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure — some of which have resulted in power outages affecting millions of civilians — the Commission has found new evidence of the impact of such attacks on the health and well-being of the population.The blackouts have particularly affected certain categories of the population. Older persons and persons with disabilities have, for instance, suffered from difficulties to access shelters during emergencies, reduced access to life-saving medical devices, and increased isolation, which accentuated their vulnerabilities. The power outages have also led to disruptions of online education, resulting in greater losses for displaced children and children with disabilities, who are more likely to enrol in remote education. The Commission reiterated the importance of continuing investigations, identification of perpetrators, and accountability, as well as comprehensive support for victims. It calls upon all parties to cooperate and coordinate their efforts on these important matters. The oral update statement as presented to the UN Human Rights Council can be found here.The Members of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine are available for interviews.Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The Commission will submit reports of its activities to the General Assembly in October 2023, and to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2024. The Commission comprises Erik Møse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover.More information on the work of the Commission can be found at the link.For media requests and queries, please contact: Saule Mukhametrakhimova, Media Adviser, Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; at saule.mukhametrakhimova@un.org or (+43-1) 26060-83450 or (+43-676) 3493464; or Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the UN Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, todd.pitman@un.org or (+41) 76 691 1761; or Pascal Sim, Human Rights Council Media Officer, at simp@un.org.

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Press Release

23 September 2024

United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance

This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies. On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including:– Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;– Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;– Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;– Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;– and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy. Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to:– Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;– Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;– Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;– Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;– Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;– This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030. Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.Summit ProcessThe Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts: Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org

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