Humanitarian actors seek US$168 million to support 1.9 million conflict-affected people in eastern Ukraine

The ongoing armed conflict in eastern Ukraine has taken the lives of over 3,000 civilians and injured more than 7,000. The ceasefire that was established in late July 2020 has contributed to a welcoming reduction in the number of casualties; however, ongoing hostilities are likely to continue to affect the lives of the people of eastern Ukraine. The COVID-19 pandemic is also expected to continue to have a profound effect on those already made vulnerable by the conflict through at least mid-2021.

“For almost seven years now, millions of people in eastern Ukraine have been longing for peace. In the absence of peace, many of them continue to rely on the humanitarian assistance provided by dozens of UN agencies as well as national and international NGOs. It’s with a heavy heart that I launch the sixth appeal calling for donors’ support to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children, women and men that count on us until this long-awaited peace finally comes”, said Ms. Lubrani.

The 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan – a strictly prioritized and comprehensive plan of action – lays out how over 120 partners aim to assist 1.9 million of the most vulnerable people in 2021. The Plan encompasses different sectors, including education, food, health, protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene. It seeks to complement the efforts already being undertaken by the Government of Ukraine and to support the handover of service delivery to local providers, wherever possible.

Since 2014, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have been on the ground in eastern Ukraine, providing relief and protection assistance worth more than $1.2 billion. Each year, humanitarian actors have reached over one million people on both sides of the ‘contact line’ and more than one million people have already received assistance during the first nine months of 2020.

“Ukraine highly appreciates the efforts of international humanitarian organizations, donors and the humanitarian community that operate in Ukraine despite the challenging working environment. I am grateful that, for the 7th year, you have been helping us help our citizens who suffered from this war. And especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance of humanitarian organizations will remain vital in 2021,” emphasized Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration Mr. Oleksii Reznikov. “We join the call of the humanitarian community and ask donors to support the humanitarian response efforts in eastern Ukraine.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the tables for many, especially for those already made vulnerable by the conflict who can barely make ends meet. And it is not abating any time soon — even with vaccines on the horizon,” Ms. Lubrani said. “It is a matter of basic human

solidarity, and it is our obligation to come to the aid of those who need assistance. We encourage everyone to join us. Only with your support can we make sure that everyone is safe and no one is left behind,” Ms. Lubrani concluded.