Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — March 2024

Summary

• The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) verified that at least 604 civilians were killed or injured in Ukraine in March 2024, a 20 per cent increase compared with February 2024.

• The March increase in civilian casualties was mainly due to attacks by the Russian armed forces using missiles and loitering munitions across Ukraine and increased aerial bombardments near the frontline.

• At least 57 children were killed or injured in March, doubling the number from February. These casualties resulted particularly from the increased use of guided and unguided aerial bombs.

• Mines and explosive remnants of war killed and injured at least 28 civilians, including 7 agricultural workers. The onset of the spring agricultural season increased the risk for farmers as they began working the land.

• In March 2024, large-scale coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure destroyed or damaged at least 20 energy facilities throughout the country, temporarily disrupting access to electricity for millions of people in large cities and rural areas. Water supply was also disrupted in some areas.

• Most civilian casualties (93.5 per cent), damage to educational and health facilities (98 per cent) and to critical infrastructure (95 per cent) continued to occur in Government-controlled territory.