"It is critical that the specific needs of women and girls are prioritized"

I wish I could share a message of hope, celebrating the immense talent, bravery, strength and compassion of the Ukrainian women I have met across the country.

However, in this terrible situation, as we see in so many conflicts, women and girls are the most vulnerable. Mothers who are taking their children to safety. Young women and girls travelling alone. Women who have lost the security of their homes and livelihoods, suddenly spending their days seeking food, water or medical supplies; or using their skills and networks to help Ukrainians in need on the other side of the country.

It is critical that the specific needs of women and girls are prioritized, and their health, rights & dignity protected and supported. Please know that the United Nations and our partners are scaling up our delivery of life-saving support for people desperate for relief, protection and shelter - particularly women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities; wherever they are in the country and on both sides of the line of contact.

We are mobilizing funds, we are advocating with all to ensure safe passage of civilians and humanitarian supplies – and, above all, we urge all parties to work towards a ceasefire. We stand with Ukrainian women and their families, who need peace and to resume their normal lives.

Lviv, Ukraine, 8 March 2022