Latest
Press Release
24 June 2022
Statement by Amin Awad, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine
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Press Release
24 June 2022
UN Human Rights Office to release its new report on Ukraine
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Press Release
21 June 2022
Humanitarians deliver life-saving supplies to people caught up in the fighting in Donetska oblast
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Ukraine
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ukraine:
Speech
15 February 2022
Secretary-General's remarks to the Press Stakeout - on Ukraine
Good afternoon.
I am deeply worried by the heightened tensions and increased speculation about a potential military conflict in Europe.
The price in human suffering, destruction and damage to European and global security is too high to contemplate.
We simply cannot accept even the possibility of such a disastrous confrontation.
I will remain fully engaged in the hours and days to come.
I just spoke this morning with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and of Ukraine.
My message is clear: There is no alternative to diplomacy.
All issues – including the most intractable – can and must be addressed and resolved through diplomatic frameworks. It is my firm belief that this principle will prevail.
The United Nations Country Team remains fully operational in Ukraine.
As United Nations Secretary-General, it is my duty to appeal for the full respect of the United Nations Charter, a fundamental pillar of international law.
The Charter clearly says, and I quote:
“All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.”
“All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”
The time is now to defuse tensions and de-escalate actions on the ground.
There is no place for incendiary rhetoric. Public statements should aim to reduce tensions, not inflame them.
I welcome the recent flurry of diplomatic contacts and engagements, including between Heads of State.
But more needs to be done, and I expect all to intensify their efforts.
I have made my good offices available and we will leave no stone unturned in the search for a peaceful solution.
Abandoning diplomacy for confrontation is not a step over a line, it is a dive over a cliff.
In short, my appeal is this: Do not fail the cause of peace.
Thank you.
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Press Release
11 February 2022
Joint UN mission visits humanitarian-development nexus projects in eastern Ukraine
Osnat Lubrani, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, joined Dafina Gercheva, UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine, and Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine on a visit to eastern Ukraine 9-11 February 2022.
This joint mission focused on humanitarian-development nexus projects, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNHCR. The nexus approach aims to address critical humanitarian and protection needs in a way which is sustainable and simultaneously strengthens local systems and accountabilities, by fostering links and synergies between humanitarian and development actions, in close collaboration with local authorities and local communities. The visited sites constitute strong examples of how this approach can provide sustainable solutions for internally displaced and conflict-affected persons.
The projects were designed in close consultation with the local population, in partnership with the private sector, and local and regional authorities. Budget allocations have been secured from authorities to ensure that the interventions remain sustainable and anchor local ownership.
The projects were made possible by the generous contributions of the European Union. Other important partners include Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.
In Popasna, Luhansk Oblast, on 9 February, Lubrani, Gercheva and Lindholm Billing attended the opening ceremony of the renovated ‘Leleka’ rehabilitation center for children with disabilities.
At the opening ceremony, Lubrani said that the center would ease access to persons with disabilities to much needed facilities and services as well as build their skills and their confidence.
“Meeting the children and the dedicated staff and volunteers, it is rewarding to realize how this center is contributing to full inclusion of people with disabilities in society.” Lubrani said.
Also in Popasna, the mission visited the University of the Third Age, which encourages life-long learning, and boarded Mobile Social Services centers. These roaming vehicles provide medical and sanitary services, but also legal advice, socio-psychological assistance and gardening help, to name a few.
On 10 February, Lubrani, Gercheva and Lindholm Billing visited a Multifunctional Creative Space for Youth Development, in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast. The creative space allows children, primarily from socioeconomically vulnerable families, to develop their creative talents in a safe space.
Moving on to Niu York in Donetsk Oblast, the mission visited the town’s Cultural Hub – a platform for community initiatives, dialogue, and concerts. Local youth proudly explained that after 70 years of being called Novhorodske, the town regained its original name in 2021. The center also serves as space for an impressive exhibition of photo portraits celebrating women leaders and activists in the community.
The next day, the mission continued to the town of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. There, it visited the Territorial Center for Social Services, which offers psychosocial support, leisure and personal development for older persons who have been greatly impacted by the conflict, including through family separation and trauma.
Also in Avdiivka, children attending the “Renaissance – Music School of the Future” held a moving concert for the visitors. Currently 22 teachers teach music instruments and theory, including Ukrainian music history, to some 180 students.
Afterwards, Lubrani and Lindholm Billing attended the opening of a new traumatology unit at the central hospital of Avdiivka. This improvement will expand access to health care for many Ukrainians on both sides of the contact line.
Lindholm Billing, said that there are still critical humanitarian needs due to the protracted conflict, but highlighted the importance of – wherever possible – addressing these in a way which simultaneously builds the capacity of local communities and authorities to protect the rights and dignity of the population in the future:
“UNHCR, as a humanitarian organization with a protection and solutions mandate, provides different types of support and assistance to help individuals or communities in a particularly vulnerable situation address an immediate need, such as psychosocial support, and strives to work in partnership with development organizations, such as UNDP, to link our programs to their projects aimed at developing local systems and structures. In this way, immediate needs are met, while local systems are developed to address the same or similar needs of other people in the future. The people whose needs our programs are seeking to help, and the local authorities are key actors and partners in this community-based ‘Humanitarian-Development Nexus’ approach.”
At the same time, Gercheva attended the opening of the local court, which had stopped operating after the beginning of the conflict in 2014. New computers and videoconferencing equipment will enable the court to resume hearings right away, thus facilitating access to justice for all Ukrainians.
Gercheva said that all people must have unhindered access to justice – especially those who live in the conflict-affected areas across eastern Ukraine.
“The armed conflict and ongoing pandemic have created additional challenges for justice and rule of law by limiting access to courts, and hindering the movement of people who try to cross the ‘contact line’ seeking protection,” she said. “Despite the many obstacles and formidable challenges, UNDP and its partners will continue to make every effort to enhance the capacity of Ukraine's judiciary.”
During the visit, the UN delegation also met with the heads of Donetsk and Luhansk oblast administrations, to discuss the ongoing partnership and to explore areas for strengthened future collaboration.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Lubrani, Gercheva and Lindholm Billing to host townhall meetings to engage with UN staff, field questions and express strong appreciation for the work of all UN personnel serving in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
The joint mission was a testament to the UN’s continued engagement for all Ukrainians, with focus on those most vulnerable. It highlighted the potential for further operationalization of the humanitarian-development nexus approach and underscored the UN’s commitment to helping Ukraine achieve the sustainable development goals and ensuring that nobody is left behind.
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Publication
17 February 2022
2022 Humanitarian Needs And Response Overview: Ukraine
After seven years, the protracted humanitarian crisis has faded from global headlines causing mistaken perceptions that it is “frozen”. The ceasefire brokered in July 2020 has become increasingly fragile, resulting in the number of civilian casualties returning to pre-ceasefire levels. Civilian infrastructure is frequently coming under fire, and widespread contamination by explosive ordnance and mines remains a serious concern. With no political solution to the conflict in sight, it is likely that the humanitarian needs will continue with an increase in severity in 2022, particularly in NGCA.
The socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in eastern Ukraine has become more pronounced due to the prolonged closure of the “contact line”, restrictions on movement, and decreasing livelihood opportunities. Residents of NGCA, particularly the elderly, have been most impacted by restrictions on movement across the “contact line”, cutting them off from basic services and social entitlements, including pensions.
With the winter fast approaching and the COVID-19 epidemiological situation worsening, especially in NGCA, the operational environment has become increasingly complicated. The humanitarian crisis continues to be at risk of being politicized, and access constraints remain a serious challenge to humanitarian operations in certain areas of eastern Ukraine.
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Story
13 June 2022
The United Nations country teams presents 2021 results report and key priorities for operations in 2022
The United Nations country team in Ukraine is proud to present its joint 2021 annual results report and key priorities for 2022 in response to the ongoing war and its consequences. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine the United Nations, in close cooperation with the government, civil society and development partners, has achieved noteworthy results in 2021.
Check the UN Country Team in Ukraine 2021 Results Report here.
2021: overview of results and cooperation
In 2021, the United Nations worked jointly with the Ukraine’s Government and multiple stakeholders at both the central and local levels to advance implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Ukraine, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring, financing and embedding these within existing and new development strategies.
Human rights remained core to the UN work in Ukraine and have been mainstreamed across all operations, with the focus on the most vulnerable, ensuring their inclusion and amplifying their voices. The UN continued to place the leave no one behind principle at the centre of all its actions. The UN provided significant support to further promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ukraine, and various aspects of migration management. Another key focus of operation was aimed at supporting a green transition in Ukraine and country’s application to the United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy.
The UN also provided expert policy advice and programmatic support in key Ukraine’s reform priority areas, with sustained focus on the COVID-19 emergency response and recovery. Thus, the UN has commented on and contributed to the National Economic Strategy 2030 to ensure that it is inclusive, designed bottom-up, and outcomes-oriented.
All United Nations interventions in 2021 were assessed and matched against the SDGs and its targets. Almost 81 percent of the US$202 million invested in 2021 is focused on driving progress towards achieving three SDGs: SDG 16 “Peace and Justice – Strong Institutions”; SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-Being”; and SDG 10 “Reduced Inequalities”.
The implementation of the UN-Ukraine Partnership Framework (UNPF) in 2021 has benefited from the generous support (close to 95 percent of UNPF available funds) from the Government of Ukraine, as well as the Governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and Japan. The EU is also a significant contributor, as were the Global Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund. In addition to these development partners, several private sector entities also provided important support to the United Nations in 2021. The UN extends its sincere thanks and appreciation.
2022 key priorities for UN operations in Ukraine
In 2022, following the start of the war, the United Nations remained in Ukraine to support the Government and the people, including in areas in the immediate vicinity of the frontline. The UN has re-tooled its support to the Government and people of Ukraine by substantially increasing its humanitarian response, with a substantial proportion of existing funds repurposed to support people in need. In addition, the UN launched two coordinated United Nations emergency appeals calling for US$4.1 billion to help people across Ukraine and outside the country.
To address the immediate humanitarian needs, the UN is also supporting the government’s vision for early recovery as per the National Reconstruction Plan. The UN will aligning its planned 18-month Transitional Framework for Ukraine, which will supersede the UN-Ukraine Partnership Framework expiring in 2022, with the priorities of the government and development partners. The UN’s proposed priorities are to save and protect lives and reduce human suffering through flexible and scalable humanitarian action, and to support national systems and capacities in critical sectors in response to the ongoing war and its consequences. The Transitional Framework will also provide the basis for integrated planning and action by the UN spanning the spectrum of its interventions in Ukraine to reduce humanitarian needs and protect development gains of the country, through a Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus approach. As the Government is shaping its Recovery plan the UN is also partnering with this work, through direct involvement in the working groups under the National Recovery Council.
The UN is fully committed to stay and deliver the strongest possible support to Ukrainians in these most challenging times.
“The 2021 UN in Ukraine results report tells the story of a country moving forward with determination to achieve the SDGs. Since February 2022, we are heartbroken by the losses and pain inflicted by a cruel, senseless war. Still, reviewing our joint achievements in 2021, the lessons learned from responding to the COVID-19 health emergency, we draw strength, inspiration, and hope from Ukrainian resilience, and our evermore strong and close strategic partnership with the Government and the people of Ukraine, and with Ukraine’s international development partners.” – Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.
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Story
09 June 2022
Workshop “Staying safe during emergency or incidents involving toxic chemicals”
On 8th of June 2022, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in partnership with Ukrainian Association of Regional and Oblast Councils and with support of United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office organised a Training of Trainers workshop “Staying safe during emergency or incidents involving toxic chemicals”. The workshop took place online and was aimed for the representatives of Oblast and District Administrations, Communities and other relevant stakeholders.
45 participants of the workshop were introduced to range of toxic chemical hazards and the Chemicals Warfare Agents, learned about the characteristic signs of exposure to various types of toxic chemicals and were introduced to the basic actions to be taken in the event of an emergency situation with leakage of toxic chemicals, including actions to be taken after leaving the area of chemical contamination.
The training was delivered by Prof. Olena Tarakhno, Consultant in OPCW, in Ukrainian, in presence of Francesco Marelli, Head of CBRN Unit in UNICRI and Gareth Williams, Senior Officer in OPCW.
This was the first training of this kind. Representatives of Oblast and District Administrations and Communities as well as other interested stakeholders are invited to write to mykhailo.malkov@un.org, if interested in the next training session.
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Story
07 June 2022
Multipurpose Cash Assistance: information for the affected people
Multipurpose Cash (MPC) assistance is a part of the humanitarian aid provided by some humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, United Nations (UN) agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the current crisis in Ukraine. MPC assistance offers people affected by crises the flexibility and dignity to choose how to cover their needs.
The Government of Ukraine has also provided direct cash assistance to affected Ukrainians. However, humanitarian cash assistance programmes are not offered or funded by the Ukrainian Government, but humanitarian organizations coordinate with the Government.
If you are affected by war or had to flee the place of your permanent residence, MPC assistance may help you meet your own basic needs in the way you deem necessary. MPC assistance is not restricted to any product, goods, or service. You are the one to decide what you need to spend it on and where it is easiest for you to buy certain things.
Different humanitarian organizations have other eligibility criteria that match their work field in the hope of assisting almost all the affected populations. You could contact the organization to access eligibility and other related information (check below the list of organizations and contact details).
Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED)
Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-16:00):
+38-073-148-38-54
+38-066-265-60-11
+38-068-948-07-26 E-mail:
ukraine.hotline@acted.org Caritas Ukraine Hotline (Monday-Friday, 9:30-16:00):
0-800-336-734 Estonian Refugee Council/Unity for the Future Telegram: +38-095-763-09-29
+38-097-647-42-28 E-mail:
ukrainecrm@heks-eper.org Swiss Church Aid (HEKS – EPER) Telegram:
+38-095-763-09-29
+38-097-647-42-28 E-mail:
ukrainecrm@heks-eper.org Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Hotline (Daily, 08:00-18:00):
0-800-302-007 People in Need (PIN) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00):
0-800-210-174 Telegram/WhatsApp/Signal:
+38-099-767-3706 E-mail:
hotline.ukr@peopleinneed.cz Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:30-17:30):
+38-099-090-75-82
+38-068-318-09-43 E-mail:
UA-feedback@fao.org International Organization for Migration (IOM) Hotline:
+38-095-240-35-11
+38-067-406-63-27 E-mail:
kievtransparent@iom.int UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-16:00):
0-800-307-711 UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:00-22:00):
0-800-600-017 Ukrainian Red Cross Society Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00):
0-800-332-656 Sensitive feedback:
sos@redcross.org.ua General feedback:
feedback@redcross.org.ua Official website:
https://redcross.org.ua World Food Programme (WFP)
Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:00-18:00):
0-800-600-122 ZOA Telegram:
+38-050-810-27-01 E-mail:
report.ukraine@zoa.ngo
+38-073-148-38-54
+38-066-265-60-11
+38-068-948-07-26 E-mail:
ukraine.hotline@acted.org Caritas Ukraine Hotline (Monday-Friday, 9:30-16:00):
0-800-336-734 Estonian Refugee Council/Unity for the Future Telegram: +38-095-763-09-29
+38-097-647-42-28 E-mail:
ukrainecrm@heks-eper.org Swiss Church Aid (HEKS – EPER) Telegram:
+38-095-763-09-29
+38-097-647-42-28 E-mail:
ukrainecrm@heks-eper.org Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Hotline (Daily, 08:00-18:00):
0-800-302-007 People in Need (PIN) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00):
0-800-210-174 Telegram/WhatsApp/Signal:
+38-099-767-3706 E-mail:
hotline.ukr@peopleinneed.cz Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:30-17:30):
+38-099-090-75-82
+38-068-318-09-43 E-mail:
UA-feedback@fao.org International Organization for Migration (IOM) Hotline:
+38-095-240-35-11
+38-067-406-63-27 E-mail:
kievtransparent@iom.int UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-16:00):
0-800-307-711 UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:00-22:00):
0-800-600-017 Ukrainian Red Cross Society Hotline (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00):
0-800-332-656 Sensitive feedback:
sos@redcross.org.ua General feedback:
feedback@redcross.org.ua Official website:
https://redcross.org.ua World Food Programme (WFP)
Hotline (Monday-Friday, 08:00-18:00):
0-800-600-122 ZOA Telegram:
+38-050-810-27-01 E-mail:
report.ukraine@zoa.ngo
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Story
03 June 2022
One hundred days of war has put Ukraine’s health system under severe pressure
After one hundred days of war, Ukraine’s health system is under severe pressure and the World Health Organization (WHO) has increased its presence, both in Ukraine and in those countries hosting displaced Ukrainians, to help meet the escalating health needs.
“This war has gone on for 100 days too many, shattering lives and communities, and imperilling the short- and long-term health of Ukraine’s people,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is doing everything we can to support Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and deliver essential medical supplies and equipment. But the one medicine that Ukraine needs most is the one that WHO can’t deliver – peace. We call on the Russian Federation to end the war.”
The war has increased the need for health care while reducing the system’s ability to provide services, particularly in areas of active conflict. As of June 2, there have been 269 verified attacks on health, killing at least 76 people and injuring 59.
“In 100 days of war, there have been over 260 verified attacks on health care in Ukraine. These attacks are not justifiable, they are never ok, and they must be investigated. No health professional should have to deliver health care on a knife edge, but this is just what nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, the medical teams in Ukraine are doing,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
“I have been privileged to meet many health workers during two visits to Ukraine since the war began. They are keeping vital services and hope alive in the face of unbelievable sorrow and suffering, and we salute them,” he added.
Some health facilities have been destroyed, while others have been overwhelmed by people seeking care for trauma and injuries resulting directly from the war. WHO has established hubs in areas close to the conflict, such as Dnipro, to rapidly reach the areas of greatest need.
“WHO is committed to being in Ukraine both now and in the longer term – addressing immediate health challenges and supporting reconstruction of the heath system. We are redeploying teams throughout the country as access and security improves.” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. “Health-mental and physical- must be at the centre of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction plans”.
To achieve this, WHO has launched an updated appeal for $147.5million, to support Ukraine’s worsening humanitarian need, provide immediate healthcare delivery and help the health system stay resilient for the longer term. Of this total, $80million is needed for in-country support, such as distributing medicines and delivering vital healthcare services and a further $67.5m is required to assist refugee-receiving and hosting countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova and Romania.
The war has caused a massive increase in psychological harm and distress. Throughout the country, health care professionals report that the most common request now is help to deal with sleeplessness, anxiety, grief and psychological pain. WHO is working with the office of Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine to develop a nationwide mental health programme accessible by all.
WHO has responded to the changed health needs in Ukraine by increasing numbers of staff and repurposing systems including our logistics system. This has enabled delivery of over 543 metric tonnes of medical supplies and equipment to the country which are being distributed mostly in the east, south and northern oblasts where need is currently greatest. Supplies provided include trauma surgery supplies, ambulances, Ukrainian-made ventilators able to continue function even when power fails, electric generators and oxygen equipment including building oxygen plants to help hospitals function autonomously.
Another major need is training to deal with the effects of war- trauma surgery, mass casualties, burns and chemical exposure. Since February 24, WHO has trained more than 1300 healthcare workers on those topics.
Along with this, WHO has been working with the Ukraine Public Health Centre to strengthen disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, and with local authorities to build back vaccination programmes and essential health services. To complement the health system, WHO is working with over 40 Emergency Medical Teams as well.
_____________
Contacts: Tatiana Dolhova, WHO Ukraine communication officer, dolhovat@who.int
+ 380 63 800 77 35 Notes to editors: Multimedia content available to download: https://fex.net/ru/s/k2frpdp
_____________
Contacts: Tatiana Dolhova, WHO Ukraine communication officer, dolhovat@who.int
+ 380 63 800 77 35 Notes to editors: Multimedia content available to download: https://fex.net/ru/s/k2frpdp
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Story
27 May 2022
Ukraine: Monitoring the devastating impact of the war on civilians
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has documented serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Matilda Bogner, who heads the Mission, understands the challenges of documenting abuses during conflicts. She is a lawyer with 16 years of experience with UN Human Rights, much of it monitoring violations in conflict and post-conflict situations. Back from a recent monitoring visit of 14 towns in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions that were occupied by Russian armed forces, Bogner answers questions about the kinds of abuses observed and if these actions constitute war crimes.
How does the war in Ukraine compare to other countries where you have had a monitoring mandate?
I would say the intensity of this conflict has been much higher than the intensity of many other conflicts. One thing that is the same in many armed conflicts is the suffering of civilians.
HRMMU collects information that can, for instance, be used as evidence of gross violations of human rights like war crimes. How do you collect information that could lead to proof of international crimes?
We interview victims. We interview witnesses. We try to visit sites to actually see the places where crimes may have occurred. But we also use a range of other sources. We use publicly available information, such as video evidence and photographs. We also get information from trusted partners as well as information that’s provided by governments.
What are some of the trends in the violations you have observed in this conflict?
In the beginning, what we were seeing was the use of explosive weapons in populated areas that led to a high level of civilian casualties, as well as destruction and damage to civilian objects. After that, we’ve documented unlawful killings, including summary executions. We’ve documented sexual violence in the context of the conflict. We have also documented enforced disappearances, torture, and ill treatment. As an example, we have found that the majority of victims of enforced disappearances reportedly committed by the Russian armed forces and affiliated armed groups were active or former public officials of local authorities or their relatives, human rights defenders and civil society activists, journalists, religious workers, and retired servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces. We also documented cases of enforced disappearances, reportedly perpetrated by the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. Victims in these cases are usually suspected of having provided assistance to the Russian Federation.
Are there some violations that are difficult to prove?
Certainly, if we look at conflict-related sexual violence, that is one of the very difficult areas because victims and witnesses often don't want to speak about it publicly. There's a huge stigma against victims of sexual violence. And this runs across societies. So, we need to respect the victims. We need to respect the witnesses’ wishes. If they don't wish to talk, maybe they will want to talk in one year or several years later. But the important thing is to have a victim-centred approach where we respect their wishes and don't further stigmatize them.
You are recently back from a visit to 14 towns in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions that were occupied by Russian armed forces and met with people who lived under the occupation. What kinds of things did they speak to you about?
Last week I was in a town to the north of Kyiv. I met with many victims and witnesses. Unfortunately, it was very easy to find victims and witnesses... We met a man who had been in his house. His wife and children had evacuated. He was sharing the cooking with his neighbors because there was no electricity. They were building fires and doing their cooking together. One day, Russian forces came, asked them to come out onto the street and looked through their telephones. They didn't like what they saw in the telephone of one of them, so they took him away and shot him. The man we spoke to had heard the shots. He then later buried the body of his neighbor.
Do the personal stories lead you to decide the direction of the team as far as the investigation?
When we start to see that a pattern of violations is emerging, we really try to focus on that to understand its scale and the way that it’s impacting on the victims. Of course, every violation is important to document, but it is also important to understand what types of patterns are emerging because that will help us in terms of trying the advocate for prevention into the future, as well as understanding where accountability mechanisms should focus in the future.
What is involved in qualifying an events, activity or action as a war crime? What methodology do you use?
A final qualification of whether a war crime has been committed should be carried out by a court with a relevant mandate. From our side, we make our conclusions based on the “reasonable grounds to believe” standard of proof. Based on verified information, an ordinarily prudent observer would have reasonable grounds to believe that the facts took place as described and that these facts meet all the elements of a violation. You have to look specifically at the individual incident. We look at whether there was a military object close by, whether it was therefore a legitimate military target, were the weapons used in an appropriate fashion to only target that? Was it considered there were civilians around who could have been harmed or not? We need to look at all those types of issues as well as what was the actual damage that occurred.
How would you qualify what you’ve seen so far?
Most of the destruction, the overwhelming majority of destruction of civilian objects, as well as the killing and injuring of civilians has been caused by the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Not every single case will be a violation of international humanitarian law and will not be a war crime. But the extent of the damage, the extent of the deaths of civilians leads us to believe there have been war crimes committed, including the indiscriminate use of weapons.
The HRMMU has been in the country since 2014, and mandated to monitor, report and advocate on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Since the start of the war, how has the work changed?
Since the 24th of February, our work has changed significantly. We have had to reorient to focus exclusively on conflict-related issues. We’ve had to move our staff from areas that have been very unsafe to other parts of the country. The scale of violations has increased enormously. So, it has really stretched our capacity to the limit.
What challenges do you face while doing your work?
We have limited access to different parts of the country, particularly those areas that are under intense hostilities. This has meant we have to do remote monitoring. We have to rely on the networks that we’ve built over the years that we’ve been in Ukraine. But, when communications go down, we really don’t have access to information in those types of areas.
Do you have any collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities?
We certainly are in constant dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities. I met last week with the General Prosecutor’s Office, with other law enforcement bodies. We discussed the information that we have. We raised concerns with them. We hear about the type of information that they have in order to help us in terms of what we should look at next.
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Press Release
24 June 2022
UN Human Rights Office to release its new report on Ukraine
Matilda Bogner, Head of Mission, will present the report at a press conference at 10:00 on Wednesday, 29 June 2022, at the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre (2 Khreshchatyk Street, (Ukrainian House), Kyiv).
The press conference will be in English, with interpretation into Ukrainian and sign language.
For accreditation, please email Tanya Korol at tetiana.korol@un.org
LIVE STREAM
in English https://uacrisis.org/en/pres-tsentr/stream
in Ukrainian https://uacrisis.org/uk/pres-tsentr/stream
The report details the violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law documented by HRMMU. It highlights civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure and housing, killings, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, including conflict-related sexual violence, and other human rights violations.
It looks into the impact of hostilities on people and groups in situations of vulnerability, including persons with disabilities and older persons.
The report also provides specific recommendations to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the international community and calls for their swift implementation to improve the human rights situation in the country and protect effectively civilians.
Background: Deployed in March 2014, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine monitors, publicly reports and advocates on the human rights situation in the country with the aim of fostering access to justice and bringing perpetrators to account. In the aftermath of the Russian Federation’s attack on Ukraine, the Mission has been fully dedicated to monitoring how the attack has impacted on the human rights situation in Ukraine. HRMMU has relocated some of its operations due to hostilities and is now present in Uzhhorod, Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Donetsk and conducts regular visits to other cities throughout the country. The Mission continues to remotely monitor the human rights situation in Crimea. Every day, human rights officers speak to victims and witnesses of human rights violations throughout the country, including those in territory controlled by Russia Armed forces and affiliated armed groups, and those from Crimea.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact: Tanya Korol at +380503868069 or e-mail tetiana.korol@un.org
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Press Release
24 June 2022
Statement by Amin Awad, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine
This war is nothing but a story of loss – loss of lives, loss of homes, loss of jobs. It has wreaked havoc in virtually all spheres of live, uprooted over 12 million Ukrainians, including millions of children, putting the future of an entire generation in peril, and risks throwing millions more into poverty. The war is also rocking global food and commodity markets, threatening to destabilize areas far beyond Ukraine.
The United Nations has expanded its presence in the country, working closely with the Ukrainian government as well as with over 300 local civil society partners and international non-governmental organizations, scaling up assistance at unprecedented speed. We are now reaching almost 9 million people with essential support.
In eastern Ukraine, heavy fighting continues with civilians trapped and cut off from food, drinking water and electricity. We continue to advocate for humanitarian access to these areas to reach civilians requiring urgent assistance.
Now it is time to redouble our efforts.
As we risk entering a protracted stage of the conflict and humanitarian needs continue to surge, we will continue to scale up and work side by side with the Ukrainian Government and its people. To do this, we rely on sustained international support and attention to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.
Winter is looming around the corner, potentially threatening the lives of millions. Humanitarian partners are working on an assistance plan to support the Ukrainian people during the upcoming harsh and long winter. However, the energy crisis goes beyond the capacities of humanitarians, requiring concerted efforts by States to support Ukraine in addressing urgent energy needs.
Those millions uprooted need a durable solution to end their displacement. This requires concerted efforts of all. Today, on the occasion of the launch of his Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, the SecretaryGeneral puts durable solutions first. Durable solutions cannot wait.
At the same, the Secretary General continues pursuing pathways to mitigate the global ramifications of the war’s devastating impact on food security by seeking to unblock critical grain and commodity trade.
The United Nations will continue its tireless efforts to respond. But the war must end now. We need peace in Ukraine.
For further information, please contact:
Saviano Abreu, OCHA: +380 681 334 432, WhatsApp/Signal: +254 780 530 141, deabreuisidoro@un.org
Viktoriya Hrubas, OCHA: +380 50 382 4541, viktoriya.hrubas@un.org
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Press Release
22 June 2022
Humanitarians deliver life-saving supplies to people caught up in the fighting in Donetska oblast
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners delivered yesterday 12 trucks of critical relief supplies for nearly 64,000 people in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, in the Government-controlled areas of the eastern Donetska oblast. Months of escalating and intense fighting in Ukraine are taking an enormous toll on civilians and over 2.2 million people in Donetska oblast alone need life-saving assistance.
The situation in Sloviansk, formerly home to 100,000 people, is particularly concerning. Hostilities have damaged the water system, leaving the 25,000 people who remain in the city—mainly the elderly and the most vulnerable—without piped water. Electricity is limited and basic supplies are lacking in the few shops still working, with increasing prices further impacting people’s access to food and other vital items. “The city is only 10 km away from the front line and has experienced intense shelling over the past weeks. Almost nobody goes to the street. They spend their days hiding from the constant bombardment, without access to basic services,” explained the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani.
In Sloviansk, humanitarians delivered water purification tablets and vital hygiene supplies to cover the needs of 20,000 people, critical household items to around 2,000 people and enough food to feed around 5,000 people for a month. In Kramatorsk, approximately 37,850 people—out of nearly 78,000 who remain in the city—will receive critical assistance, including kits to purify water and hygiene supplies for more than 20,000 people and food assistance for at least 10,000 women, men, girls and boys.
This humanitarian convoy—coordinated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which notified both parties to the conflict to guarantee the safety of the operation—was possible thanks to the support of the international community to UN agencies and NGOs working to assist people whose lives have been overturned by the war.
Across the country, more than 300 humanitarian organizations—two-thirds of them national NGOs—have provided over 8.8 million people with life-saving assistance. However, the war has left almost 16 million people in Ukraine in need of humanitarian aid. “We have consistently and insistently engaged the parties to the conflict to make sure we can support people in Ukraine, wherever they are. Yet, we have been prevented from reaching areas where we know people need support now, including Mariupol, Kherson, and most recently Sievierodonetsk. We call on the parties to the conflict to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all regions of Ukraine, so we can expand relief operations even further and support people who have suffered immensely because of these four months of war,” concluded Ms. Lubrani. Note to editors: Yesterday’s convoy had supplies provided by: International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) World Food Program (WFP) Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) People in Need Save the Children
___________________ For further information, please contact OCHA Ukraine: Saviano Abreu, +380 504 223 943, deabreuisidoro@un.org Viktoriya Hrubas, +380 50 382 4541, viktoriya.hrubas@un.org
The situation in Sloviansk, formerly home to 100,000 people, is particularly concerning. Hostilities have damaged the water system, leaving the 25,000 people who remain in the city—mainly the elderly and the most vulnerable—without piped water. Electricity is limited and basic supplies are lacking in the few shops still working, with increasing prices further impacting people’s access to food and other vital items. “The city is only 10 km away from the front line and has experienced intense shelling over the past weeks. Almost nobody goes to the street. They spend their days hiding from the constant bombardment, without access to basic services,” explained the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani.
In Sloviansk, humanitarians delivered water purification tablets and vital hygiene supplies to cover the needs of 20,000 people, critical household items to around 2,000 people and enough food to feed around 5,000 people for a month. In Kramatorsk, approximately 37,850 people—out of nearly 78,000 who remain in the city—will receive critical assistance, including kits to purify water and hygiene supplies for more than 20,000 people and food assistance for at least 10,000 women, men, girls and boys.
This humanitarian convoy—coordinated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which notified both parties to the conflict to guarantee the safety of the operation—was possible thanks to the support of the international community to UN agencies and NGOs working to assist people whose lives have been overturned by the war.
Across the country, more than 300 humanitarian organizations—two-thirds of them national NGOs—have provided over 8.8 million people with life-saving assistance. However, the war has left almost 16 million people in Ukraine in need of humanitarian aid. “We have consistently and insistently engaged the parties to the conflict to make sure we can support people in Ukraine, wherever they are. Yet, we have been prevented from reaching areas where we know people need support now, including Mariupol, Kherson, and most recently Sievierodonetsk. We call on the parties to the conflict to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all regions of Ukraine, so we can expand relief operations even further and support people who have suffered immensely because of these four months of war,” concluded Ms. Lubrani. Note to editors: Yesterday’s convoy had supplies provided by: International Organization for Migration (IOM) UN High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) World Food Program (WFP) Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) People in Need Save the Children
___________________ For further information, please contact OCHA Ukraine: Saviano Abreu, +380 504 223 943, deabreuisidoro@un.org Viktoriya Hrubas, +380 50 382 4541, viktoriya.hrubas@un.org
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Press Release
18 June 2022
UN in Ukraine calls for accountability for conflict-related sexual violence and remedy for survivors
Although conflict-related sexual violence is mostly perpetrated against women, OHCHR has verified cases of sexual violence against women, men and girls. Due to active hostilities, mass internal displacement, the stigma associated with sexual violence and the breakdown of the referral pathways, survivors are often unable or unwilling to report to law enforcement authorities or service providers. Reporting of cases for accountability purposes often takes place only after survivors are in physical and emotional safety and have access to services, including medical and psychological assistance.
Last month, the United Nations and the Government of Ukraine signed a framework for cooperation that supports the design and delivery of priority interventions in the areas of justice and accountability as a central pillar of deterrence and prevention.
The agreement also addresses comprehensive service provision for survivors, including sexual and reproductive health services, medical and specialised mental health services, legal assistance, and livelihood support.
UN Women will continue supporting national partners’ efforts to raise awareness, and prevent conflict related sexual violence, especially within the frameworks of an updated National Action Plan on the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Following the survivor-centred approach and with strong UNFPA involvement, the online platform Aurora was launched last week. Aurora provides specialised psychotherapy for survivors of gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. The platform provides remote specialised assistance for survivors in any part of Ukraine, including non-government-controlled areas and abroad.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we reiterate that conflict-related sexual violence is a crime under international human rights and humanitarian law. Adopting a survivor-centred approach to service provision, investigating and documenting all allegations, and ensuring accountability and justice is paramount. It’s also of vital importance to create a safe environment and enhance gender-sensitive mechanisms that will enable and empower survivors to report such violations without fearing of being discriminated against, stigmatised or blamed.
UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani
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Press Release
15 June 2022
Call for Proposals “Ukraine Regional Response”
The overall purpose of this call for proposals is to provide grants to women and young women’s civil society organizations in Ukraine and Moldova that focus on promoting socio-economic recovery, leadership and political participation of women and young women in forced displacement (e.g. refugees, internally displaced people, asylum seekers) in crisis and humanitarian contexts.
Ukraine
Moldova
The projects must focus on one country. Multi-country projects, or projects outside the geographical focus will NOT be accepted.
CSOs can apply for a maximum of 12 months.
International, national, regional or local/grassroots women or young women led, women’s rights, youth rights, feminist, or civil society organizations with a proven track record working with women, young women and girls in forced displacement, are eligible to apply. Organizations led by displaced persons are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please find additional information on the call for proposal and on how to apply (templates) in the attached documents.
Application packages should be emailed to WPHFapplications@unwomen.org with the subject line “WPHF CfP3-Ukraine/Moldova ” by 11:59 PM Geneva time on 27 June (early submission) or 11 July (second submission). Please note that CSOs should only apply once to either submission date.
Please find below additional information on the call for proposal and on how to apply (templates):
Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) Call for Proposals “Ukraine Regional Response”
Indicator Tip Sheet for Institutional Funding, WPHF Impact Area 1: Enabling Environment for Women Peace and Security
Indicator Tip Sheet, WPHF Impact Area 6: Peacebuilding & Recovery
Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, STREAM 1: INSTITUTIONAL FUNDING
Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, STREAM 2: PROGRAMMATIC FUNDING
Please also note, that an online information session will be organized for potential applicants on 17 June 2022 at 12:30 (Geneva)/13:30 (Kyiv) by UN Women and the WPHF Secretariat. The session will be in English, translation into Ukrainian and Romanian will be provided.
To register for the information session, please complete the following form: https://forms.gle/HwTDG3UJKMbBvz4L7. An invitation with the session link will be provided prior to the information session. This session will also be recorded and uploaded to the WPHF website for prospective applicants who are unable to attend.
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