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Press Release
26 May 2023
Unveiling "Behind the Silence" - A Documentary Shedding Light on the Consequences of War on Domestic Violence in Ukraine and Support Services for Survivors, Premieres in Kyiv
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Story
26 May 2023
Unveiling "Behind the Silence"
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Press Release
26 May 2023
Note to correspondents on the humanitarian response in Ukraine, attributable to Saviano Abreu, Spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
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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:
Press Release
20 December 2022
Ukraine: Humanitarian Coordinator allocates $20 million to support local organizations and volunteer groups at the forefront of the humanitarian response
“These groups have always been the backbone of the humanitarian response in Ukraine and even more since the war started in late February. They are in the front line, taking risks to make sure people whose lives have been torn apart by months of war receive support for their daily needs: water, food, medicines, shelter when their houses have been damaged,” explained Denise Brown.
The humanitarian community in Ukraine has had several meetings with these groups in different parts of the country. “The work they are doing is impressive. However, 10 months later, their resources are being exhausted and they need support to sustain their vital assistance to the people of Ukraine,” said Denise Brown.
With this new disbursement, OCHA-managed humanitarian funds will have allocated over $252 million for life-saving operations in Ukraine since the Russian Federation’s invasion started on 24 February, including $192 million from the UHF and $60 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). More than $55 million has been channelled to projects and organizations supporting hospitals, displacement centres and other critical facilities with generators and people with winter supplies, as Ukraine faces a severe energy crisis in the middle of the winter. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our donors. We thank them, on behalf of the humanitarian community and the people of Ukraine,” concluded Denise Brown.
***
Note to editors:
The OCHA-managed Ukraine Humanitarian Fund is the largest of the world’s 20 active Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs), which are established when a new emergency occurs or when an existing humanitarian situation deteriorates.
Between 2019 and February 2022, the UHF allocated $24 million to 26 partners implementing 64 projects in the east of Ukraine, to support at least 1.25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Since February, and with this new announcement, the fund has allocated nearly $192 million to support 109 projects of 56 partners including, 30 international NGOs, 18 national NGOs and 8 UN agencies. Some $44 million of the total allocations were channeled directly to national organizations.
Also since February, the UHF has expanded its partners’ base, increasing the number of eligible partners from 51 pre-war to 93 today, including 35 national NGOs.
For further information, please contact OCHA Ukraine:
Saviano Abreu, +380 50 422 3943, deabreuisidoro@un.org
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int.
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Press Release
15 December 2022
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF COORDINATOR MARTIN GRIFFITHS REMARKS TO PRESS AT THE END OF HIS FOUR-DAY MISSION TO UKRAINE
Thank you, Prime Minister, thank you Denys, for receiving me. I was recalling that you and I met in this same building, many many months ago, early on in this war. And it is a great privilege for me to be back. Thank you very much indeed.
I was fortunate to visit Mykolaiv and Kherson earlier this week, and now also in Kyiv meeting the Prime Minister and other leaders, as well as humanitarian agencies. And I'd like to share a few conclusions from those visits and from those meetings.
Firstly, I was very impressed by the close partnership which the international humanitarian community, which is what I represent, has with your authorities, with your Government here. But also very importantly in the oblasts, the government of Mykolaiv and Kherson. I spent time with the mayors of those two cities, the heads of hromadas also. And that relationship is extremely strong, but it's very operational. Needs are identified. Aid is delivered.
And I want to thank you, in fact, for what everyone has been telling me from the humanitarian agencies, international and national, local, the fron- line partners, to thank you for the very, very constructive and open relationship we have, even in these extraordinarily difficult times where you all days are filled with decisions and tragedies. You have provided the time for our agencies and our partners to do that job. It is a huge thank you.
Since the beginning of the war, international humanitarian agencies have reached just under 14 million people with assistance, and we will continue to do so under your leadership.
But let me say a few things about Mykolaiv and Kherson.
We were in Kherson, as I said. The Governor was spending the day with us, the mayor, the people. We saw distribution sites for food, shelter, clothing, mattresses, all organized by local authorities, handing out these small bits of generosity to the people in their great time of difficulty. I was in a school where UNICEF has a child centre. And as we were there in Kherson, we heard the artillery coming closer to us. So the shelling, which is a daily phenomenon in Kherson, we heard that. And it's not that we were under threat, but we were reminded of these still uncertain lives and future of so many people, even in Kherson, where you have managed to regain so much of your territory.
We met in Mykolaiv, in a shelter provided by your Government to the displaced people from Kherson, some of these families. Some of them have been there for months, but some had recently arrived because their villages on the road between Mykolaiv and Kherson had been destroyed. And the following day we saw those villages, and they went back daily to try to restart their lives in those villages.
They didn't know when the reconstruction of their houses would happen, and it was a reminder of two things. One, you have an enormous challenge ahead to reconstruct the places where people live. But equally, you have people who want to go home, who are determined to go home. And that is a great value and a great tribute to your people.
Three things just three things which came across very strongly. And you mentioned them as priority needs. Number one, no surprise, is the electricity. I was absolutely stunned to see the degree to which electricity is the gateway to everything else. Without electricity, there's no warmth. The weather is getting cold. Without electricity, there are no medical services, there is no transport, there is no light.
And in many parts of Kherson there is very little electricity. So, the effort that you were making in Paris on the same day, Denys, that is, making the repair of energy infrastructure the absolute central priority is one that I saw how important it was to the people of Kherson. And the Governor of Kherson is trying to amend the electricity lines coming into his oblast and hoping that if they were repaired, that they would not be damaged again.
This issue is of central importance precisely because civilians suffer from the lack of electricity, civilians who should not suffer under international law in a conflict. That's the first priority.
The second is de-mining, and we talked about it just now. I was told, for example, that there are about half a million hectares of agricultural land in Kherson alone, which needs de-mining. You can't get the country back into production without de-mining. I think, as you were saying to me earlier, Ukraine is probably now the most mine-polluted country in the world. So the urgent international priority to the mine is one that we will also do what we can.
And then finally, this and we talked about it also. Even in war, people want to see a future, perhaps, particularly in war. And restarting elements of a local economy is a central priority for people. People want to go back to work. They want their children to go back to schools, they want transport to work. They want the economy to work, they want employment to happen. And I am one of those who supports you in your efforts to get that private sector back. Even now, even in places like Kherson, where the war is still going on with those people on the right bank are still being shelled every day, restarting, jumpstarting the economy, anything that we in the UN can do to support that effort – we’d happily do so.
Thank you very much.
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Press Release
26 August 2022
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Ukraine
Mr. President, Mr. President of Ukraine, Excellencies,
Today marks a sad and tragic milestone – six months since Russia’s 24th of February invasion of Ukraine.
During this devastating period, thousands of civilians have been killed and injured, including hundreds of children.
Countless others have lost their family members, friends and loved ones.
The world has seen grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed with little to no accountability.
Millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes and their worldly possessions, becoming internally displaced or refugees.
With the onset of winter, humanitarian needs continue to rise rapidly with millions of people in need of assistance and protection.
As these needs skyrocket, it is imperative that humanitarian actors in Ukraine have safe and unhindered access to all people requiring assistance, no matter where they live.
Mr. President,
The consequences of this senseless war are being felt far beyond Ukraine. We are seeing new vulnerabilities emerge in a global environment already worn out by conflicts, inequality, pandemic-induced economic and health crises, and climate change – with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. The acceleration of already high food, fertilizer and fuel prices has triggered a global crisis that could drive millions more into extreme poverty, magnifying hunger and malnutrition, while threatening to raise the global humanitarian caseload to new highs and erase hard-won development gains. Vulnerable communities are grappling with the largest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and high commodity and transportation costs are having major repercussions for existing humanitarian operations. Mr. President,
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Council on the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, both inside and outside the country over the past six months. As I mentioned on Monday, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on my recent travel to Ukraine. I would like to have been able to do the same yesterday based on my experience in discussions about Zaporizhzhia, but unfortunately I was out of New York with a [inaudible] planned that was impossible to change at such a short notice. My visit was an important opportunity to follow up on the landmark deal that has brought a measure of hope, especially to developing countries and millions of vulnerable people bearing the brunt of the global food crisis, some of them on the edge of famine. I can report to the Council that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products. This deal would not have been possible without the constructive approach of both Ukraine and Russia and the efforts of the government of Türkiye. During my visit to Lviv, I met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Erdogan. I thanked them for their continued engagement to support the implementation of the Initiative to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian food products and fertilizers to those in need and to the world at large. I was filled with emotion visiting the port of Odesa and the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul. On my visit to Odesa, I went aboard a bulk carrier called the MV Kubrosli Y as it was being loaded with about 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat. It was deeply moving to peer into the hold of this cargo ship and see wheat pouring in. Even if in a limited way, the storied port of Odesa – which had been paralyzed for months – is slowly coming to life thanks to the Initiative. In Istanbul, I saw the WFP-chartered ship, the MV Brave Commander. It was proudly flying the UN flag with its cargo destined for the Horn of Africa where millions of people are at risk of famine. I then had the opportunity to walk up the long and narrow gangway of the SSI Invincible II heading to pick up Ukrainian grain in the port of Chornomorsk. The vessel will carry one of the largest hauls of grain leaving Ukraine to date – more than 50,000 metric tonnes. Mr. President,
Just a few weeks ago, much of this would have been hard to imagine. We are seeing a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first. As I stressed in Odesa and Istanbul, what I saw was the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to effectively bring them to market. Together with the task team led by Rebeca Grynspan, I will continue my intense contacts for that purpose. In 2022, there is enough food in the world – the problem is its uneven distribution. But if we don’t stabilize the fertilizer market in 2022, there simply will not be enough food in 2023. Many farmers around the world are already planning to reduce areas for cultivation for next season. Getting much more food and fertilizers out of Ukraine and Russia at reasonable costs is vital to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers. I once again commend the parties for their engagement in this process and urge them to continue to build on this progress. I also renew the call I made in Odesa for a massive scaling up of support to the developing countries getting hammered by the global food crisis. The shipment of grain and other foodstuffs is crucial, but it won’t mean much if countries cannot afford them. Developed countries and International Financial Institutions must do more to ensure that developing countries can fully capitalize on the opportunities of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Mr. President,
Despite progress on the humanitarian front, fighting in Ukraine shows no signs of ending, with new potential areas of dangerous escalation appearing. Two places were ever-present in my mind – and in my discussions in Ukraine — Zaporizhzhia and Olenivka. I remain gravely concerned about the situation in and around Europe’s largest Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia. The warning lights are flashing. Any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant are simply unacceptable. Any further escalation of the situation could lead to self-destruction. The security of the Plant must be ensured, and the Plant must be re-established as purely civilian infrastructure. In close contact with the IAEA, the UN Secretariat has assessed that we have in Ukraine the logistics and security capacity to support any IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Kyiv, provided both Russia and Ukraine agree. I welcome expressions of support for such a mission and urge that to happen as soon as possible. Mr. President,
I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and violations and abuses of human rights related to the armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law protects prisoners of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross must have access to them wherever they are held. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine -- and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine -- continue to monitor, document and report with a view to supporting the investigation of alleged violations. Work is also ongoing to deploy the recently established Fact-Finding Mission to Olenivka to look into the incident on 29 July. This mission must be able to freely conduct its work - to gather and analyze necessary information - and to find the facts. It is imperative that the mission has safe, secure and unfettered access to all relevant places and persons and to all relevant evidence without any limitation, impediment or interference. Mr. President, Excellencies,
On this 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, I wish to congratulate the Ukrainian people. The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and they need peace now. Peace in line with the UN Charter. Peace in line with international law. Thank you.
The consequences of this senseless war are being felt far beyond Ukraine. We are seeing new vulnerabilities emerge in a global environment already worn out by conflicts, inequality, pandemic-induced economic and health crises, and climate change – with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. The acceleration of already high food, fertilizer and fuel prices has triggered a global crisis that could drive millions more into extreme poverty, magnifying hunger and malnutrition, while threatening to raise the global humanitarian caseload to new highs and erase hard-won development gains. Vulnerable communities are grappling with the largest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and high commodity and transportation costs are having major repercussions for existing humanitarian operations. Mr. President,
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Council on the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, both inside and outside the country over the past six months. As I mentioned on Monday, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on my recent travel to Ukraine. I would like to have been able to do the same yesterday based on my experience in discussions about Zaporizhzhia, but unfortunately I was out of New York with a [inaudible] planned that was impossible to change at such a short notice. My visit was an important opportunity to follow up on the landmark deal that has brought a measure of hope, especially to developing countries and millions of vulnerable people bearing the brunt of the global food crisis, some of them on the edge of famine. I can report to the Council that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products. This deal would not have been possible without the constructive approach of both Ukraine and Russia and the efforts of the government of Türkiye. During my visit to Lviv, I met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Erdogan. I thanked them for their continued engagement to support the implementation of the Initiative to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian food products and fertilizers to those in need and to the world at large. I was filled with emotion visiting the port of Odesa and the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul. On my visit to Odesa, I went aboard a bulk carrier called the MV Kubrosli Y as it was being loaded with about 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat. It was deeply moving to peer into the hold of this cargo ship and see wheat pouring in. Even if in a limited way, the storied port of Odesa – which had been paralyzed for months – is slowly coming to life thanks to the Initiative. In Istanbul, I saw the WFP-chartered ship, the MV Brave Commander. It was proudly flying the UN flag with its cargo destined for the Horn of Africa where millions of people are at risk of famine. I then had the opportunity to walk up the long and narrow gangway of the SSI Invincible II heading to pick up Ukrainian grain in the port of Chornomorsk. The vessel will carry one of the largest hauls of grain leaving Ukraine to date – more than 50,000 metric tonnes. Mr. President,
Just a few weeks ago, much of this would have been hard to imagine. We are seeing a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first. As I stressed in Odesa and Istanbul, what I saw was the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to effectively bring them to market. Together with the task team led by Rebeca Grynspan, I will continue my intense contacts for that purpose. In 2022, there is enough food in the world – the problem is its uneven distribution. But if we don’t stabilize the fertilizer market in 2022, there simply will not be enough food in 2023. Many farmers around the world are already planning to reduce areas for cultivation for next season. Getting much more food and fertilizers out of Ukraine and Russia at reasonable costs is vital to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers. I once again commend the parties for their engagement in this process and urge them to continue to build on this progress. I also renew the call I made in Odesa for a massive scaling up of support to the developing countries getting hammered by the global food crisis. The shipment of grain and other foodstuffs is crucial, but it won’t mean much if countries cannot afford them. Developed countries and International Financial Institutions must do more to ensure that developing countries can fully capitalize on the opportunities of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Mr. President,
Despite progress on the humanitarian front, fighting in Ukraine shows no signs of ending, with new potential areas of dangerous escalation appearing. Two places were ever-present in my mind – and in my discussions in Ukraine — Zaporizhzhia and Olenivka. I remain gravely concerned about the situation in and around Europe’s largest Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia. The warning lights are flashing. Any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant are simply unacceptable. Any further escalation of the situation could lead to self-destruction. The security of the Plant must be ensured, and the Plant must be re-established as purely civilian infrastructure. In close contact with the IAEA, the UN Secretariat has assessed that we have in Ukraine the logistics and security capacity to support any IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Kyiv, provided both Russia and Ukraine agree. I welcome expressions of support for such a mission and urge that to happen as soon as possible. Mr. President,
I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and violations and abuses of human rights related to the armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law protects prisoners of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross must have access to them wherever they are held. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine -- and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine -- continue to monitor, document and report with a view to supporting the investigation of alleged violations. Work is also ongoing to deploy the recently established Fact-Finding Mission to Olenivka to look into the incident on 29 July. This mission must be able to freely conduct its work - to gather and analyze necessary information - and to find the facts. It is imperative that the mission has safe, secure and unfettered access to all relevant places and persons and to all relevant evidence without any limitation, impediment or interference. Mr. President, Excellencies,
On this 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, I wish to congratulate the Ukrainian people. The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and they need peace now. Peace in line with the UN Charter. Peace in line with international law. Thank you.
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Story
26 May 2023
Unveiling "Behind the Silence"
On May 24th, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in collaboration with StarLight Doc, presented the film "Behind the Silence," created with the support of the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund (UHF).
The film shows how the full-scale war has impacted the levels and forms of domestic violence. Additionally, the documentary highlights the provision of assistance to survivors of war-related violence, including sexual violence.
The film premiere took place at the “Zhovten” cinema and gathered around 300 viewers. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Spain, Finland, and Croatia in Ukraine, as well as representatives from the embassies of France, Japan, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. The opening remarks were given by Her Excellency Larisa Galadza, H.E. Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine.
“Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes – not just in its defence against Russia’s ongoing military aggression, but also in dealing with the consequences the war has rot on the most vulnerable. Our collective supports ensure that there are safe spaces for SGBV survivors seeking assistance, and are available to make sure that no one is alone during these difficult times”, said Her Excellency Larisa Galadza.
In addition to the services supported by the Canadian government, "Behind the Silence" also showcases how experts from services supported by the government of the United Kingdom provide assistance. Particularly, platform "Aurora," mobile teams of social and psychological assistance.
“Tackling gender-based violence is a priority for the UK. That’s why we’ve been working closely with partners in Ukraine to ensure the survivors get the support they need. I’m proud that this work is helping people, and we will continue to support efforts like the Aurora platform. Those who need help should know that it’s available and they are not alone. This is what the "Behind the Silence" film is about”, said the British Ambassador to Ukraine Dame Melinda Simmons.
The film also highlights the work of other support services for violence survivors, such as Survivor Relief Centres, the psychological support line for men, shelters, crisis rooms, hotlines. Most of these services are supported by the United Nations Population Fund and other UN system organizations.
Caption: Denise Brown, UN Resident and Humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine
Photo: © UNFPA, Stas Kartashov
“In Ukraine, because of the invasion by Russia, because of the escalation of the war, the situation with regard to gender-based violence – domestic violence, sexual violence, conflict-related sexual violence – is just so much worse. Particularly for women and girls. They are so much more exposed because of the war”, said UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown. So, ensuring that people know where to go to for support and understand the services that are available is critical. We all need to know where to turn to. And the documentary ‘Behind the Silence’ shows that assistance is available despite the circumstances. Psychologists, social workers, lawyers, the police are here to help. And we are honoured to support them.”
The screening of the film was supported by UNFPA's Honorary Ambassador in Ukraine, Maria Yefrosinina, who actively advocates for the rights of domestic violence and war-related violence survivors.
Caption: Maria Yefrosinina, UNFPA's Honorary Ambassador in Ukraine
Photo: © UNFPA, Stas Kartashov
"In times of war, when the country is going through immense suffering and pain, people sometimes downplay their own experiences, putting them aside, thinking that first we need to win the war. Undoubtedly, we should all continue to do everything possible to live in a free country, but it is important not to forget about ourselves, that enduring violence is not acceptable under any circumstances, and that we should not turn a blind eye to injustice within our own families because of the war. Help is available, and it is closer than it seems. The key is not to stay silent about violence, and the documentary 'Behind the Silence' is our attempt to motivate people to seek for support", said UNFPA's Honorary Ambassador in Ukraine, Maria Yefrosinina.
StarLight Media is the media partner for the creation of the film and the event.
Anastasia Steinhauz, Head of Starlight Doc and ICTV, ICTV2 channels, said, "Some may think that a full-scale war with all its horrors and pain has put a pause on internal social issues. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We know that the problem of domestic violence remains relevant and may escalate in the near future. We know that those who previously found it difficult to seek help are now facing new barriers - both in terms of general safety and psychological and economic challenges. Therefore, we are grateful to our partners, UNFPA, for the opportunity to create this documentary film. It is our joint documentary manifesto that reminds us that war should not hinder seeking assistance. There are professional, services, and organizations that continue to work for the sake of providing help, and there are people who need support right now."
With the onset of the large-scale war in February 2022 and the increase in the number of internally displaced persons, the issue of response to and prevention of gender-based violence has become particularly relevant.
The situation has intensified in at-risk groups, according to experts, particularly affecting elderly individuals, some of whom have taken in children, grandchildren, or relatives from the beginning of full-scale war. Especially if there have been previous cases of domestic violence in the family. Children are also at risk, as they often depend on their parents' decisions, such as whether to stay in conflict-affected areas or change their place of residence. As a result, the risk of violence increases.
Photo: © UNFPA, Stas Kartashov
According to "La Strada-Ukraine," over the past three years, in 2022, the National Hotline for the Prevention and Counteraction of Gender-Based Violence received the highest number of calls—38,472. For comparison, in 2019, there were nearly 10,000 less calls.
In 2022, there were 251,829 reports of domestic violence received by the police and social welfare authorities.
Furthermore, the focus of assistance has expanded, as both social services and the police have started providing help to survivors of violence related to the war, particularly sexual violence. Survivors of this type of violence often fear seeking help. Therefore, in addition to addressing the consequences of such violence, ongoing awareness-raising efforts are being carried out, and the film "Behind the Silence" is an integral part of these efforts.
Photo: © UNFPA, Stas Kartashov
"As of May, the police have received 82 reports of rape and other sexual crimes committed by Russian military personnel against civilians. However, this number does not reflect the real picture, as there are individuals who are afraid to seek help, some still reside in occupied territories and are unable to receive comprehensive support, or they understand the risk of persecution by the occupying authorities. Nevertheless, we are witnessing an increase in trust towards law enforcement. We believe that this is achieved through a people-centric approach that police officers adhere to today. We are confident that trust will become even stronger after everyone working with CRSV survivors completes a special online training developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs", emphasized Katerina Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.
If you or your loved ones need qualified assistance, please find the contact information of support services on the UNFPA website.
To watch the documentary online, please visit the YouTube channel UNFPA Ukraine.
The creation of the documentary was made possible with the support of the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
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Story
25 May 2023
Roundtable dialogue on humanitarian support for persons with disabilities in Ukraine
With the thousands of injuries sustained since the beginning of the war, the United Nations (UN) expects this population to have grown significantly. Major needs and solutions in providing humanitarian assistance amid the war and organizing a more effective local response were discussed during 2 roundtable sessions facilitated by WHO Ukraine, with the participation of Ukrainian organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and UN agencies.
The first part of the OPD-led event featured an analysis of challenges and priorities for persons with disabilities to access dignified and inclusive humanitarian assistance. The recommendations provided by OPDs during this first session aimed to encourage a more contextually relevant response that addresses the needs of all people in need in Ukraine, including those who require reasonable accommodations and universally accessible environments.
“We need practical solutions for more inclusive service delivery in these unprecedented times. Therefore, it is important for WHO to facilitate this gathering between national organizations of persons with disabilities and international partners,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.
The WHO European Framework for action to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities 2022–2023 is a key priority for WHO Ukraine in the coming years.
During the second part of the event OPDs presented their recommendations to senior UN decision-makers. All participants discussed the need to encourage meaningful participation of OPDs in the international system, to harness local expertise to provide a more effective local response and to generate disability-disaggregated data to inform strategic decision-making. “Data about the needs of Ukrainians with disabilities are key for identifying priorities,” explained Denise Brown, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine. Moreover, persons with disabilities should be engaged in humanitarian response not only as beneficiaries, but also as service providers who have the necessary knowledge and skills to be leaders in their communities.
Moving forward amid the war
There are 2.7 million persons with disabilities registered in Ukraine (including over 160 000 children). However, the actual number is likely much closer to the international disability prevalence rate of 16%. This would mean that there are over 6 million persons with disabilities in Ukraine, which includes 20% of the 11.3 million pensioners in the country. Before the escalation of the war, the Government of Ukraine passed a range of legal acts for basic social protection and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, and adopted the Strategy for a Barrier-Free Society as a framework for the participation of persons with disabilities in leisure activities, employment, education, health, and social services, but progress has been limited due to the war.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has deepened pre-existing inequalities due to barriers to essential and other services. Disability inclusion is critical to providing principled humanitarian action, which addresses the needs of the entire affected population in a non-discriminatory manner. The roundtable dialogue organized by WHO Ukraine helped key UN agencies to better understand the gaps and served as a foundation for mapping the way forward in achieving disability-inclusive humanitarian action in Ukraine.
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Story
15 May 2023
“The most important is to stay human”: the story of a Ukrainian nurse from Kharkiv caring for patients amid the war
When it all started, they could not just stand up from their hospital beds and escape. What would they do all by themselves if all medical staff ran away?” says Khrystyna Lopatenko, a chief nurse at Kharkiv Oblast Hospital.
On International Nurses Day, celebrated on 12 May, Khrystyna shares her story about work under air raid sirens and in bomb shelters, and her motivation to stay in Ukraine and continue saving lives during the war.
Nursing in the midst of an emergency
The district where Khrystyna had lived in Kharkiv was the first one attacked, so she had no other choice but to move to live in the hospital with her family. She is still living there. “The nursing job has benefits that I had not been aware of before the war,” she says. “I wonder where I’d go if I worked in some other place. Here is my home now, where we all live as one big family.”
Only 500 out of 2300 medical staff continued providing service in the Kharkiv Oblast Hospital. As a result, Khrystyna’s nursing job has expanded and changed drastically since February 2022. The hospital became a hub for humanitarian aid targeted at all health care facilities in Kharkiv oblast.
Among her tasks, she had to manage the distribution of medical supplies, taking into account severe infrastructure damage and lack of access. Khrystyna shares an example of a truck with 40 tons of humanitarian aid that arrived, and there were only 4 nurses to unload it. Moreover, they had only 30 minutes and the air raid siren went on. “In such situations, you have no time to think what to do and nobody to seek advice from. There it is, and you have to solve it straight away,” says the chief nurse.
New vitality
After nearly 15 months of war, Khrystyna Lopatenko feels a renewal of energy. She says that she became adapted to the volatile situation and now gets more concerned with silence. “If in the first months I used to run away from air rides and air strikes, now I treat them as a sign that the process is going on, and we are getting closer to victory.”
Khrystyna has a degree in psychology and it helps her cope with chronic stress as well as support those around her. “Sometimes all that people need is just to talk, to discuss something, to let it all out of their system, forget and move on,” she says.
On International Nurses Day, Khrystyna Lopatenko shares her message with future nurses, underlying that, to grow and develop in this profession, it is vital to love people. Helping patients must be the core motivation, and keeping in one’s mind that how you treat others has an effect on how you will be treated one day. “I believe that occupations and titles are fleeting, yet the most important is to stay human in any situation.”
WHO supports nurses in challenging circumstances
Amid the war, Ukrainian health care workers like Khrystyna are showing resilience and courage while caring for their patients. WHO continues to be committed to supporting nurses and other health professionals in Ukraine and across the Region, many of whom are carrying out their duties in challenging circumstances.
Earlier this year, WHO/Europe convened a regional meeting in Bucharest urging political leaders to act on their promises to support and invest in health workers everywhere. The Bucharest Declaration, adopted there, calls for political action to improve working conditions and support all health workers’ mental health, among other issues.
This story has been developed with the financial support of the European Union (EU) as part of the WHO and EU initiative on health system strengthening in Ukraine.
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Story
10 April 2023
WHO at 75: Reflections on WHO's Accomplishments and Challenges in Ukraine
The work of WHO and its partners over the past 75 years to advance public health has positively impacted the lives of people worldwide. From the development of life-saving vaccines against deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, to the discovery of present-day antibiotics, and the global treaty to stop tobacco use, their accomplishments have made a significant impact on the world. Additionally, new diagnostics, medicines, and treatments for tuberculosis, HIV, cancer, dementia, and many other diseases and conditions have become available, further improving global health.
As we reflect on the past 75 years, we have much to be proud of. However, as WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reminds us, it's not the past 75 years that matter, but the next 75. This message is particularly relevant in Ukraine, where we can look back with pride at our past successes while also acknowledging our present challenges and looking forward with hope.
Despite facing over 900 attacks on health care in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, WHO, alongside healthcare authorities and dedicated health workers, have been working tirelessly to ensure Ukrainians in the country receive essential health services. The entire health system has shown remarkable resilience and dedication during these trying times. WHO remains committed to ensuring the health system is operational and that all possible efforts are made so that the system can recover quickly.
In Ukraine, WHO has prioritized three key areas of healthcare: emergency health response, recovery of the health system, and health reforms. These areas serve as the main pillars of our efforts today and are fundamental to the future functioning of the entire country's health system. By focusing on these crucial areas, we can continue to improve the health and well-being of all people in Ukraine, even in the face of adversity.
WHO's emergency health response is one of the priorities in Ukraine due to the ongoing invasion by the Russian Federation. One in five people throughout the country is struggling to access essential medicines, while in areas of occupation and active conflict, that number increases to one in three. To support the health system during this challenging time, WHO has provided critical assistance, including delivering over 3000 metric tons of supplies, and training more than 10,000 healthcare workers in mass casualty management techniques. Through our health emergency response efforts, we have reached over 8 million people in 2022 and that continue now in 2023 to reach more. Further to this, we have made mental health a vital component of the health response. WHO, along with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the Office of the President, and the MoH, have launched a critical initiative for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), prioritising numerous actions for a system-wide response to the mental health needs of Ukrainians.
WHO's second priority in Ukraine is health system recovery, which goes beyond rebuilding physical medical facilities. We aim to support the country to restore essential services such as rehabilitation, primary health care, public health surveillance, and more, critical for overall
national recovery. High-quality health services and medicines instil a sense of security, promoting trust in local and national government, and allowing people to return to their homes. Together with partners, we have identified four key priorities for the health system recovery in Ukraine over the next two years. These include restoring priority health services, identifying critical choices for capital investment, setting financing priorities, and strengthening health sector institutions responsible for policy and planning to achieve effective and accountable health care.
WHO's third key focus area in Ukraine is the ongoing health reform process. The direction of the reforms begun in 2016 to make Ukraine’s healthcare system consistent with international best practice. The war does not change this goal. We have prioritized health sector reforms and are supporting the country in setting up new health systems, from health financing and primary health care, to increasing transparency in procurement and working in area of non-communicable diseases. As WHO, we are proud to be part of this change and to use our seven decades of experience to support the Ukrainian health system.
There five principles we use to align our potential investments with the ongoing reform effort in Ukraine are: 1) people-centredness, meaning organizing a system around needs, rather than around a disease or government administrative level; 2) equity and financial protection, meaning that our investments support reforms to ensure that services are available and accessible to those most affected by the war; 3) resilience, meaning that the health system should be able to adapt and respond to emerging needs; 4) efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that green design of multi-profile health facilities is a high priority, and 5) accountability, meaning that the recovery process, the health system, and the government, must deliver on its commitments while managing resources transparently.
It's important to note that Ukraine plays a significant role in health and development, providing opportunities for other countries to learn from its experiences. Moreover, Ukraine is a member of the WHO governing system, including the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC). Several representatives from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, including Minister Viktor Liashko, have also joined the Executive Board of the World Health Organization in 2022. By collaborating with Ukraine, we are not only working towards better health outcomes but also strengthening the WHO's ability to lead global health efforts.
The war in Ukraine has brought immense hardship and challenges to the lives of all Ukrainians, triggering a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. Thanks to our long-established partnerships in the country, we have been able to act swiftly and effectively. As we reflect on the past 75 years and on the progress made and current priorities, WHO commits to standing with and delivering for the people of Ukraine during these trying times and into the future.
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Story
28 March 2023
WHO, with EU and US support, donate more ambulances to Ukraine to help cover emergency health needs during the war
The WHO Country Office in Ukraine, with support from the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated an additional 33 ambulances to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to enable the provision of emergency medical care to patients during the war. The handover of ambulances took place in Lviv, western Ukraine, on 27 March in the presence of Dr Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, Maciej Popowski, Director General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations and Tetiana Rastrigina, Senior Project Management Specialist, USAID/Ukraine Health Office.
The donation includes 20 ambulances equipped with a stretcher and first aid equipment. They are intended for the non-critical transportation of patients. A further 13 ambulances, equipped with patient ventilators, oxygen supply, medication bags and other equipment that will allow the transportation of seriously injured patients to health facilities.
The ambulances will be donated to hospitals and emergency medical centres throughout the entire country, with a particular focus on the eastern part of Ukraine.
“The purpose of this donation is to further enhance the timeliness and quality of health services provided by national emergency medical services and this further strengthens the capacity of Ukraine’s health system in leading the activation and coordination of this response in the immediate aftermath of any emergency,” explained Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine during a ceremony held jointly with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and EU Humanitarian Aid and USAID.
“The availability of ambulances is a priority to reduce mortality from emergency situations and mass casualty events. By providing these emergency vehicles, we pursue the goal of ensuring adequate conditions to provide urgent medical care and to further improve emergency response practices in Ukraine.”
Since 24 February 2022, a total of 56 ambulances have been donated to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine by WHO and its partners.
Dr Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, noted: “I want like to thank our partners for their strong support. Despite all the odds, we work together to provide Ukrainians with high-quality, affordable, and free medical help. Soon, we will send 33 ambulances to the regions where they are needed and will help our brave medics to save people's lives.”
Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management said: “It is one of our top priorities to support the Ukrainian healthcare system, which has come under extreme pressure since the start of the war. We are working with partners like WHO to ensure that medical professionals have the means and equipment to reach people in urgent need of medical assistance. These ambulances will save lives across the country, including in hard-to-reach areas.”
“These ambulances, co-funded by the United States and the European Union, will help Ukraine’s emergency workers respond to crises on the ground,” said USAID/Ukraine Mission Director James Hope. “It is just one example of how USAID assistance helps Ukraine meet urgent needs created by the war. We will continue partnering with the European Union, WHO, and other partners to provide Ukraine with life-saving support.”
WHO has delivered more than 3000 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies to Ukraine since the war began, including in hard-to-reach areas close to the front line. Deliveries include power generators, ambulances, oxygen supplies for medical facilities, supplies for trauma and emergency surgeries, and medicines to help treat non-communicable diseases and more.
The delivery was made possible with funding from EU Humanitarian Aid and the U.S. Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID).
Media inquiries: Rayyan Sabet-Parry, Communication Officer, WHO Ukraine, rsabetparry@who.int
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Press Release
26 May 2023
Note to correspondents on the humanitarian response in Ukraine, attributable to Saviano Abreu, Spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
• The UN and our humanitarian partners continue to work non-stop to support people impacted by the escalating fighting and hostilities, which are ravaging communities in the east and south of the country.
• Approximately 5.4 million people have received humanitarian assistance and protection services by aid organizations across Ukraine in the first four months of 2023 – more than 60 per cent of whom are women and girls. This is around 800,000 people more than the total we had assisted by the end of March.
• More than 2.1 million people received multipurpose cash assistance, close to 3.5 million received food, nearly 3 million had access to health services and medicines, around 1 million could access clean water and hygiene products and also approximately 1 million received emergency shelter or critical household items after their homes were damaged or destroyed. Education services were provided to nearly 700,000 people - mostly children - and protection services to around 600,000, including people who received services to prevent gender-based violence or support survivors.
• This was possible thanks to the efforts of hundreds of humanitarian organizations, and our close work with local groups and community-based volunteers who play a vital role on getting the assistance to those who need it the most.
• We do need to ensure that the world knows that the humanitarian response in Ukraine is as crucial as ever: the war has further escalated since the beginning of the year, taking a heavy toll on civilians who live close to the front line, those who cannot go back to their homes and also people all across the country living under almost daily air sirens and threats of attacks.
• Although strikes on energy infrastructure decreased – we all remember how damaging it was during the winter months – with each passing day more and more people in Ukraine are having their homes, schools, water system and hospitals damaged.
• Mine contamination is also creating huge challenges, not only to civilians trying, for example, to get back to their farms, but also for humanitarians trying to deliver assistance. This is particularly concerning in the Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, where people depend on agriculture and dozens of mine-related accidents are being reported every month.
• Access challenges also continued and assistance to areas under Russian control remains extremely limited. This year alone, because of the deterioration of the security situation and shifts in the front line, humanitarian partners have lost access to almost 60,000 people in almost 40 towns and villages in the east. We don’t stop efforts and exploring all options to ensure people there receive the assistance they need.
• On the funding side, humanitarians have received only 24 per cent of the $3.9 billion requested for the response this year. We call on the international community to sustain its support to the humanitarian response in Ukraine. This war is far from over and the international support will be critical to ensure we can help people whose lives are been upended by this war.
• Approximately 5.4 million people have received humanitarian assistance and protection services by aid organizations across Ukraine in the first four months of 2023 – more than 60 per cent of whom are women and girls. This is around 800,000 people more than the total we had assisted by the end of March.
• More than 2.1 million people received multipurpose cash assistance, close to 3.5 million received food, nearly 3 million had access to health services and medicines, around 1 million could access clean water and hygiene products and also approximately 1 million received emergency shelter or critical household items after their homes were damaged or destroyed. Education services were provided to nearly 700,000 people - mostly children - and protection services to around 600,000, including people who received services to prevent gender-based violence or support survivors.
• This was possible thanks to the efforts of hundreds of humanitarian organizations, and our close work with local groups and community-based volunteers who play a vital role on getting the assistance to those who need it the most.
• We do need to ensure that the world knows that the humanitarian response in Ukraine is as crucial as ever: the war has further escalated since the beginning of the year, taking a heavy toll on civilians who live close to the front line, those who cannot go back to their homes and also people all across the country living under almost daily air sirens and threats of attacks.
• Although strikes on energy infrastructure decreased – we all remember how damaging it was during the winter months – with each passing day more and more people in Ukraine are having their homes, schools, water system and hospitals damaged.
• Mine contamination is also creating huge challenges, not only to civilians trying, for example, to get back to their farms, but also for humanitarians trying to deliver assistance. This is particularly concerning in the Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, where people depend on agriculture and dozens of mine-related accidents are being reported every month.
• Access challenges also continued and assistance to areas under Russian control remains extremely limited. This year alone, because of the deterioration of the security situation and shifts in the front line, humanitarian partners have lost access to almost 60,000 people in almost 40 towns and villages in the east. We don’t stop efforts and exploring all options to ensure people there receive the assistance they need.
• On the funding side, humanitarians have received only 24 per cent of the $3.9 billion requested for the response this year. We call on the international community to sustain its support to the humanitarian response in Ukraine. This war is far from over and the international support will be critical to ensure we can help people whose lives are been upended by this war.
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Press Release
26 May 2023
Unveiling "Behind the Silence" - A Documentary Shedding Light on the Consequences of War on Domestic Violence in Ukraine and Support Services for Survivors, Premieres in Kyiv
The film shows how the full-scale war has impacted the levels and forms of domestic violence. Additionally, the documentary highlights the provision of assistance to survivors of war-related violence, including sexual violence.
The film premiere took place at the “Zhovten” cinema and gathered around 300 viewers. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Spain, Finland, and Croatia in Ukraine, as well as representatives from the embassies of France, Japan, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. The opening remarks were given by Her Excellency Larisa Galadza, H.E. Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine.
“Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes – not just in its defence against Russia’s ongoing military aggression, but also in dealing with the consequences the war has rot on the most vulnerable. Our collective supports ensure that there are safe spaces for SGBV survivors seeking assistance, and are available to make sure that no one is alone during these difficult times”, said Her Excellency Larisa Galadza.
In addition to the services supported by the Canadian government, "Behind the Silence" also showcases how experts from services supported by the government of the United Kingdom provide assistance. Particularly, platform "Aurora," mobile teams of social and psychological assistance.
“Tackling gender-based violence is a priority for the UK. That’s why we’ve been working closely with partners in Ukraine to ensure the survivors get the support they need. I’m proud that this work is helping people, and we will continue to support efforts like the Aurora platform. Those who need help should know that it’s available and they are not alone. This is what the "Behind the Silence" film is about”, said the British Ambassador to Ukraine Dame Melinda Simmons.
The film also highlights the work of other support services for violence survivors, such as Survivor Relief Centres, the psychological support line for men, shelters, crisis rooms, hotlines. Most of these services are supported by the United Nations Population Fund and other UN system organizations.
“In Ukraine, because of the invasion by Russia, because of the escalation of the war, the situation with regard to gender-based violence – domestic violence, sexual violence, conflict-related sexual violence – is just so much worse. Particularly for women and girls. They are so much more exposed because of the war”, said UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown. So, ensuring that people know where to go to for support and understand the services that are available is critical. We all need to know where to turn to. And the documentary ‘Behind the Silence’ shows that assistance is available despite the circumstances. Psychologists, social workers, lawyers, the police are here to help. And we are honoured to support them.”
The screening of the film was supported by UNFPA's Honorary Ambassador in Ukraine, Maria Yefrosinina, who actively advocates for the rights of domestic violence and war-related violence survivors.
"In times of war, when the country is going through immense suffering and pain, people sometimes downplay their own experiences, putting them aside, thinking that first we need to win the war. Undoubtedly, we should all continue to do everything possible to live in a free country, but it is important not to forget about ourselves, that enduring violence is not acceptable under any circumstances, and that we should not turn a blind eye to injustice within our own families because of the war. Help is available, and it is closer than it seems. The key is not to stay silent about violence, and the documentary 'Behind the Silence' is our attempt to motivate people to seek for support", said UNFPA's Honorary Ambassador in Ukraine, Maria Yefrosinina.
StarLight Media is the media partner for the creation of the film and the event.
Anastasia Steinhauz, Head of Starlight Doc and ICTV, ICTV2 channels, said, "Some may think that a full-scale war with all its horrors and pain has put a pause on internal social issues. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We know that the problem of domestic violence remains relevant and may escalate in the near future. We know that those who previously found it difficult to seek help are now facing new barriers - both in terms of general safety and psychological and economic challenges. Therefore, we are grateful to our partners, UNFPA, for the opportunity to create this documentary film. It is our joint documentary manifesto that reminds us that war should not hinder seeking assistance. There are professional, services, and organizations that continue to work for the sake of providing help, and there are people who need support right now."
With the onset of the large-scale war in February 2022 and the increase in the number of internally displaced persons, the issue of response to and prevention of gender-based violence has become particularly relevant.
The situation has intensified in at-risk groups, according to experts, particularly affecting elderly individuals, some of whom have taken in children, grandchildren, or relatives from the beginning of full-scale war. Especially if there have been previous cases of domestic violence in the family. Children are also at risk, as they often depend on their parents' decisions, such as whether to stay in conflict-affected areas or change their place of residence. As a result, the risk of violence increases.
According to "La Strada-Ukraine," over the past three years, in 2022, the National Hotline for the Prevention and Counteraction of Gender-Based Violence received the highest number of calls—38,472. For comparison, in 2019, there were nearly 10,000 less calls.
In 2022, there were 251,829 reports of domestic violence received by the police and social welfare authorities.
Furthermore, the focus of assistance has expanded, as both social services and the police have started providing help to survivors of violence related to the war, particularly sexual violence. Survivors of this type of violence often fear seeking help. Therefore, in addition to addressing the consequences of such violence, ongoing awareness-raising efforts are being carried out, and the film "Behind the Silence" is an integral part of these efforts.
"As of May, the police have received 82 reports of rape and other sexual crimes committed by Russian military personnel against civilians. However, this number does not reflect the real picture, as there are individuals who are afraid to seek help, some still reside in occupied territories and are unable to receive comprehensive support, or they understand the risk of persecution by the occupying authorities. Nevertheless, we are witnessing an increase in trust towards law enforcement. We believe that this is achieved through a people-centric approach that police officers adhere to today. We are confident that trust will become even stronger after everyone working with CRSV survivors completes a special online training developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs", emphasized Katerina Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.
If you or your loved ones need qualified assistance, please find the contact information of support services on the UNFPA website.
To watch the documentary online, please visit the YouTube channel UNFPA Ukraine.
The creation of the documentary was made possible with the support of the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
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Press Release
25 May 2023
Ukraine: UNESCO joins forces to protect the mental health of the educational community
For registration, please send an email to Tateishvili Revas, tateishvili@insha-osvita.org
Programme available here
Venue: Готель Львів (Lviv Hotel), проспект В'ячеслава Чорновола, 7, Львів, Львівська область, 79000
For the opening of this workshop, representative from UNESCO, the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Embassy of Japan will address the nearly 150 participants. Then, participants will conduct thematic group work to develop tools and recommendations for the implementation of these policies.
This workshop is organized within the context where almost the entire population of Ukraine is living under constant stress with a high risk of experiencing emotional harm and mental health issues. In the education sector, 26% of Ukrainian teenagers have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. 75% of schoolchildren have experienced stress. Children and education staff affected by the war have an increased risk of suffering emotional harm and developing mental health problems with grave implications for their overall health and well-being.
UNESCO, with the financial contribution of the Government of Japan, launched an ambitious initiative aiming to reduce the negative effects of the conflict on the mental health of Ukrainian students. It is part of the overall action plan led by the Ukrainian authorities to address these challenges, including the National Program for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support under the leadership of the Office of the First Lady, and the Concept of Safety of Educational Institutions upon the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
More about
· UNESCO’s actions in Ukraine
· UNESCO supports Ukraine’s 15,000 school psychologists to improve students’ mental health
· UNESCO supports 50,000 Ukrainian teachers to safeguard learning amid war
Press contact (at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris): Thomas Mallard, t.mallard@unesco.org, +33 1 45 68 22 93
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Press Release
24 May 2023
The UN Says Russia’s Armed Attack on Ukraine Has Had a Devastating Impact on Older People, Demands Access
The UN called on Russia to cease its attack against Ukraine and to grant immediate and unfettered access to its human rights monitors to areas of Ukraine occupied by the Russian armed forces.
The UN report said on some occasions Russian armed forces forced civilians, including elderly people to remain in basements for weeks in dire conditions. In one case cited in the report, 360 civilians were confined to an overcrowded school basement in the village Yahidne in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region without toilet facilities, clean water, or ventilation for nearly a month, resulting in the deaths of ten elderly persons.
The report said UN human rights monitors documented several cases of older people with limited mobility who died in hostilities simply because they were not able to reach a bomb shelter on time. As Russian troops occupied the eastern town of Izium in March of 2022, a disabled woman in her mid-sixties burned to death when the building where she lived was shelled and caught fire.
The UN found that older people on both sides of the frontline were hit exceptionally hard by power outages, water cuts as well as a lack of access to health services, medication and pensions that for most were the only source of income. Those depending entirely on their old age pensions for survival had to undertake perilous journeys across frontline areas to collect their pensions.
The report noted that the war imposed new hardship, deprivation and misery on the lives of older Ukrainians, many of whom had already grappled with hardship and poverty before the attack. The report acknowledged Ukraine’s efforts to address the plight of elderly and vulnerable people, but it also called on Ukraine to do more to ensure that economic social and cultural rights enshrined in international humanitarian and human rights law are respected.
This includes taking into account and prioritising the specific needs of older persons when organizing evacuations, securing long-term adequate accommodation for displaced people, and guaranteeing access to adequate state financial assistance, including social pensions and other allowances.
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Press Release
17 May 2023
UN Secretary-General's remarks at press encounter on the Black Sea Initiative
Good afternoon,
We have some positive and significant developments — confirmation by the Russian Federation to continue its participation in the Black Sea Initiative for another 60 days.
I welcome this decision. The continuation is good news for the world.
Outstanding issues remain.
But representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the United Nations will keep discussing them.
I hope we will reach a comprehensive agreement to improve, expand and extend the Initiative – as I proposed in a recent letter to the Presidents of the three countries.
I want to convey my appreciation to all those taking part in the negotiations in a spirit of constructive engagement.
I once again express my gratitude to President Erdoğan and the Government of Türkiye for their efforts – working in permanent coordination with the United Nations.
The importance of the Black Sea Initiative – and the parallel Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation – is clear.
These agreements matter for global food security. Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world.
Under the Black Sea Initiative, more than [30] million tons of food have been exported.
Vital food supplies are reaching some of the world’s most vulnerable people and places – including 30,000 tons of wheat that just left Ukraine aboard a WFP-chartered ship to feed hungry people in Sudan.
They matter because we are still in the throes of a record-breaking cost-of-living crisis.
Over the last year, markets have stabilized, volatility has been reduced and we have seen global food prices fall by 20 per cent.
And they matter because they demonstrate that, even in the darkest hours, there is always a beacon of hope and an opportunity to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Looking ahead, we hope that exports of food and fertilizers, including ammonia, from the Russian Federation and Ukraine will be able to reach global supply chains safely and predictably – as foreseen in both the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding on Russian food and fertilizer exports – the implementation of which the United Nations is fully committed to support.
Thank you.
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