Latest
Speech
14 June 2024
Opening remarks by Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, during her press briefing at the UN Office in Geneva
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Press Release
13 June 2024
In Berlin, IOM, International Community Commit to Supporting Ukraine's Recovery
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Press Release
13 June 2024
ATTACKS KILLING AND INJURING CIVILIANS AND DAMAGING EDUCATION FACILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ARE UNACCEPTABLE
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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:
Publication
15 April 2024
Annual Recovery Results Report 2023 - United Nations in Ukraine
- Foreword by the Resident Coordinator - In the third year of the full-scale Russia’s invasion, the
scourge of war is still bringing untold suffering and sorrow
to the people of Ukraine. The invasion, launched in violation
of the UN Charter and international law, has left thousands
of civilians killed and injured, caused massive destruction of
infrastructure, including hundreds of thousands of homes,
hospitals and schools, and deeply traumatized people regardless
of proximity to the front line. The war has shattered
the Ukrainian economy; rolling back development gains
made over the past years and plunging nearly 25 per cent
of people into poverty.The people of Ukraine are taking upon themselves the
monumental task to recover from the devastation caused
by the invasion. With remarkable and inspiring determination,
and no matter if they are close to the front line or in
communities where they have found safety and security,
Ukrainians are supporting one another to ensure their
communities are functioning, small shops are running,
schools are repaired and rebuilt with shelters so children
can attend in-person, hospitals and clinics reconstructed,
roads and bridges repaired and agricultural land and critical
and social infrastructure demined.The UN, the humanitarian community and our development
partners continue to work non-stop to ensure people enduring
the horrors of the war receive the support they need to
address their most immediate needs and also create the
conditions for their recovery. In 2023, more than 11 million
people received life-saving humanitarian assistance. This
achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts
of over 500 organizations – nearly 70 per cent of them
Ukrainian NGOs - our close collaboration with the authorities,
and the timely support of our donors.We have also scaled up our efforts to support recovery, with
more and more activities that provide people with durable
solutions and ensure they can get back on their feet. The UN
made significant contributions to Ukraine’s journey towards
a prosperous future: supporting strong data collection and
analysis to inform recovery priorities – including the third
Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) and the
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Kakhovka
Dam’s destruction; creating platforms to engage communities
in the decision-making and forums to bring together
Government, donors and civil society; supporting small
businesses; repairing vital infrastructure; and contributing
to demining efforts and beyond.The UN –our 3,000 employees and 24 agencies – is determined
to continue supporting the Government’s recovery
priorities with investments in Ukraine’s communities, human
capital and national systems, and ensure recovery takes
into consideration the specific needs of women, people
with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Despite the progress, these efforts are not enough to stop
the suffering and devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The world – and the international
community – cannot accept war as the new reality. Living
under constant bombardment, constant fear, is not normal.
For this reason, war as a state of existence for people in
Ukraine, must not be normalized. Every effort must continue
towards a just peace in line with the UN Charter.
Denise Brown
Resident Coordinator
United Nations in Ukraine
scourge of war is still bringing untold suffering and sorrow
to the people of Ukraine. The invasion, launched in violation
of the UN Charter and international law, has left thousands
of civilians killed and injured, caused massive destruction of
infrastructure, including hundreds of thousands of homes,
hospitals and schools, and deeply traumatized people regardless
of proximity to the front line. The war has shattered
the Ukrainian economy; rolling back development gains
made over the past years and plunging nearly 25 per cent
of people into poverty.The people of Ukraine are taking upon themselves the
monumental task to recover from the devastation caused
by the invasion. With remarkable and inspiring determination,
and no matter if they are close to the front line or in
communities where they have found safety and security,
Ukrainians are supporting one another to ensure their
communities are functioning, small shops are running,
schools are repaired and rebuilt with shelters so children
can attend in-person, hospitals and clinics reconstructed,
roads and bridges repaired and agricultural land and critical
and social infrastructure demined.The UN, the humanitarian community and our development
partners continue to work non-stop to ensure people enduring
the horrors of the war receive the support they need to
address their most immediate needs and also create the
conditions for their recovery. In 2023, more than 11 million
people received life-saving humanitarian assistance. This
achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts
of over 500 organizations – nearly 70 per cent of them
Ukrainian NGOs - our close collaboration with the authorities,
and the timely support of our donors.We have also scaled up our efforts to support recovery, with
more and more activities that provide people with durable
solutions and ensure they can get back on their feet. The UN
made significant contributions to Ukraine’s journey towards
a prosperous future: supporting strong data collection and
analysis to inform recovery priorities – including the third
Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) and the
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the Kakhovka
Dam’s destruction; creating platforms to engage communities
in the decision-making and forums to bring together
Government, donors and civil society; supporting small
businesses; repairing vital infrastructure; and contributing
to demining efforts and beyond.The UN –our 3,000 employees and 24 agencies – is determined
to continue supporting the Government’s recovery
priorities with investments in Ukraine’s communities, human
capital and national systems, and ensure recovery takes
into consideration the specific needs of women, people
with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Despite the progress, these efforts are not enough to stop
the suffering and devastating consequences of Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The world – and the international
community – cannot accept war as the new reality. Living
under constant bombardment, constant fear, is not normal.
For this reason, war as a state of existence for people in
Ukraine, must not be normalized. Every effort must continue
towards a just peace in line with the UN Charter.
Denise Brown
Resident Coordinator
United Nations in Ukraine
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Press Release
07 March 2024
UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, message for the International Women’s Day
THEY INSPIRE ME
The women of Ukraine, their determination, have truly inspired and encouraged me since the day I arrived in this country. In each and every one of my many travels across Ukraine, whether it is to a war-torn community close to the front line or a town in the West where people fleeing the horrors of Russia’s invasion sought refuge, I see and hear stories of determination, hope and solidarity led by strong Ukrainian women. I am a witness to the fact that women in Ukraine – at all levels – refuse to give up and are relentless in their work to promote a better future for their country. I have been inspired by women in leadership positions, both at the national Government and local level, like the women representatives I met in front-line towns like Kherson, Mylove or Orikhiv, who spare no effort and overcome tremendous challenges to bring some relief to their communities torn apart by the war. It motivates me to see that women are the backbone of the humanitarian response and work non-stop to help their communities under extreme hardship, like the doctor I met in Siversk, in the Donetsk Region. Despite all the risks, she decided to stay there, fearing not the bombs and missiles but the fact that it would be, otherwise, almost impossible for people in her community to access health care. I met so many mothers who had to learn how to support their children who could no longer go to school, at the same time as, with compassion, caring for the sick, the disabled, the elderly and filling the gaps left by a social system massively disrupted by the war.I met in Kramatorsk, Kharkiv and Uzhhorod so many fierce and inspiring women leading organizations and movements advocating for the rights of the people of Ukraine, and striving to ensure no one is left behind, particularly the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities, the Roma or LGBTQIA+ community. And again, they are taking up these massive challenges at a time when they face higher levels of unemployment, a larger and persistent gender pay gap, heightened risk of gender-based violence and obstacles to accessing essential services.Women are as important at the decision-making tables as they are at the frontlines of their communities. For this reason, the UN is committed to continuing our efforts to support them and create platforms at different levels to ensure women have a leading role in Ukraine’s economic and social recovery.
The women of Ukraine, their determination, have truly inspired and encouraged me since the day I arrived in this country. In each and every one of my many travels across Ukraine, whether it is to a war-torn community close to the front line or a town in the West where people fleeing the horrors of Russia’s invasion sought refuge, I see and hear stories of determination, hope and solidarity led by strong Ukrainian women. I am a witness to the fact that women in Ukraine – at all levels – refuse to give up and are relentless in their work to promote a better future for their country. I have been inspired by women in leadership positions, both at the national Government and local level, like the women representatives I met in front-line towns like Kherson, Mylove or Orikhiv, who spare no effort and overcome tremendous challenges to bring some relief to their communities torn apart by the war. It motivates me to see that women are the backbone of the humanitarian response and work non-stop to help their communities under extreme hardship, like the doctor I met in Siversk, in the Donetsk Region. Despite all the risks, she decided to stay there, fearing not the bombs and missiles but the fact that it would be, otherwise, almost impossible for people in her community to access health care. I met so many mothers who had to learn how to support their children who could no longer go to school, at the same time as, with compassion, caring for the sick, the disabled, the elderly and filling the gaps left by a social system massively disrupted by the war.I met in Kramatorsk, Kharkiv and Uzhhorod so many fierce and inspiring women leading organizations and movements advocating for the rights of the people of Ukraine, and striving to ensure no one is left behind, particularly the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities, the Roma or LGBTQIA+ community. And again, they are taking up these massive challenges at a time when they face higher levels of unemployment, a larger and persistent gender pay gap, heightened risk of gender-based violence and obstacles to accessing essential services.Women are as important at the decision-making tables as they are at the frontlines of their communities. For this reason, the UN is committed to continuing our efforts to support them and create platforms at different levels to ensure women have a leading role in Ukraine’s economic and social recovery.
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Speech
15 February 2024
Remarks by the Head of the UN in Ukraine, Denise Brown, during the launch of the third Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment
I stood here in exact same spot last year when we launched the RDNA2, with the same actors, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, the European Union and the World Bank.
I was thinking this morning about what I said then, and I made the point that no one wants to live in a collective centre. People want to return home, be in their communities, send their kids to school, have easy access to health care, and walk down the street to the market. And mainly live without the fear and trauma that war creates.
What I said one year ago is still true and we see it every day: Ukrainians are determined to return to their lives pre-war with their eyes on the future.
That is a big challenge for the 4.5 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine and the 5.9 million people who fled across borders to seek safety and refuge in Europe.
Missile strikes in communities along the front line and beyond, as we saw this morning, including here in Kyiv, almost every day, make that recovery a challenge. The reality is, and I see it all the time, that displacement and collective centres remain an unfortunate reality for millions of Ukrainians. Hospitals, schools, and ports continue to be attacked, damaged and destroyed.
And, I think most horrifically, civilians killed, injured and maimed, including children, which is what we saw yesterday again in the Donetsk Region.
I know the RDNA3 reports it – the UN contributed, there is a great partnership with the Government, the European Union and the World Bank – and I also have what I know from my missions throughout the country that, for the moment – and it is in the report but hasn’t been mentioned yet – humanitarian assistance and recovery are going to have to co-exist for quite some time. And our challenge is linking one to the other.
Humanitarian assistance remains a lifeline for millions of Ukrainians who, because of the war, as I said many times already, can't yet go home or those who remain in their homes along the front-line communities because their life has no meaning anywhere else. And despite their daily struggles, what I heard so many times from those people is that their life has purpose and their life has dignity, no matter how difficult it is.
I really want to emphasize that the Government, the United Nations, the international and national NGOs, local volunteers, the regional and local authorities, we have created a vast network that allow us to respond when a missile strikes a community, for the displaced to provide them with daily support, for the disabled… And in the report you will heart that the number of disabled in the country has grown over 7 per cent since we launched the RDNA 2. And the support for the elderly. So that network provides this assistance.
In Bilozerka, where I was about 10 days ago, and in Kherson, where I was this past Monday, people continue to depend on that assistance. So, the reality is that, again, humanitarian assistance and recovery have to co-exist.
And I really want to thank the donors because your support allowed us collectively to provide 11 million people with assistance in 2023.
But what is that vital step beyond humanitarian assistance, where possible?
For the UN, and in the report this year, you will really see the focus is community recovery.
In Izium, in Mykolaiv, in Sumy, and outside of Kyiv in Ivankiv, the people and the authorities are now well positioned, the conditions are in place to move beyond humanitarian assistance, and take back their lives.
Based on the leadership of local authorities, based on community-determined priorities, civil society engagement, the inclusion of women – not just inclusion of women but inclusion as decision-makers –, the disabled – again whose numbers have grown – and minority communities such as the Roma – I was in Uzhhorod last week and spent some time with them – so when the conditions are there, including security, recovery is taking place.
Social services have been re-established; schools built with bunkers – we heard that 90 per cent of children are registered, not necessarily attending but registered for schools –; hospitals and clinics reconstructed; roads and bridges repaired; agricultural land and critical social infrastructure demined; and small businesses reopened, and many of those small ones are women-owned.
This will have to happen community by community. And the numbers in the report, as you will hear and see when we have the presentation, those are very big numbers, a little bit overwhelming.
But the restoring back is really going to take place in the communities.
I was thinking about Mykolaiv. When I first was there in September 2022, there was no electricity, the water tasted like salt, and most of the people had left. I was there this past weekend, and it is a city that can be lived in now and people have returned.
The RDNA 3 is the documentation of the damage and needs that drives national prioritization and the financial mechanisms. But this year, in that report, we are also focusing on recovery and the human capital.
Behind the numbers is the critical need to ensure that Ukraine has the people with the right skills and capacity to take back their lives, and recover – across the country, not just in part of the country – what was lost.
I just want to finish by saying that the war is fought by the people of Ukraine.
The impact of the war is felt every single day by the people of Ukraine.
And the recovery of the country will depend on the people of Ukraine, with our support. And while we are not pleased that we have to have another RDNA, as Gevorg said, at least we have a document that will drive the priorities, determine the financial requirements, and allow us, all the partners, to align behind the common objectives.
Thank you very much.
***
For more information, refer to the Press Release.
***
For more information, refer to the Press Release.
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Press Release
28 February 2024
Russian Federation’s decade-long occupation of Crimea marked by widespread violations
In a report issued today, HRMMU said the Russian Federation has unlawfully imposed its citizenship, laws, and institutions on Crimea’s population across all spheres of life, suppressing opposition and dissent. The report cites examples of steps taken by the Russian Federation to restrict the civic space and limit fundamental freedoms. Crimean Tatar leaders, perceived as opposing the occupation of Crimea or the Russian Federation policies, were among those particularly affected by the measures. While Crimean Tatars, who fled the peninsula in the wake of the illegal annexation, have been barred from returning to their homeland, many Russians have been resettled in Crimea, in an apparent attempt to change the peninsula’s demographic structure. Large-scale expropriations of public and private property have been implemented without compensation or regard for international law.“Over the past decade, we have documented efforts by the Russian Federation to impose the Russian language, culture, and institutional framework on Crimea while at the same time taking actions to erase the peninsula’s rich cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage,” said the head of HRMMU, Danielle Bell.The report says opposition to the efforts by the Russian Federation to consolidate its hold on Crimea has been met with harsh reprisals. Individuals who opposed or challenged the occupation were subjected to human rights violations, including enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment. HRMMU says it documented 104 cases of enforced disappearance and 55 cases of torture affecting pro-Ukrainian activists, journalists and Crimean Tatars.The occupying authorities in Crimea have suppressed freedom of expression, including the expressions of minority cultures and identities, and severely curtailed the freedom of religion of minority groups, particularly those opposing official narratives, the report said.“Our findings on the human rights situation in Crimea, which has endured Russian occupation for more than a decade now, are not only alarming but they are also a grim harbinger of the devastating and lasting impact Russian occupation may have on other occupied regions of Ukraine,” said Bell.
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Story
19 February 2024
Aid workers go the extra mile for Oleksandr
"I desperately needed simple things – to do shopping, to cook food, to maintain hygiene. I also needed surgery that couldn't be performed in our town." In October 2023, Oleksandr suffered an injury unrelated to the war that rendered him almost immobile and in need of urgent hip replacement surgery. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine, particularly fierce in the south and east, had disrupted local service providers, including health facilities and public transport. Residents with a disability, trauma or illness were in a dire situation, unable to access essential services.
"The relentless hostilities in areas close to the front lines, particularly in the east and the south of the country, have severely affected civilian infrastructure and disrupted public transportation," says Yevhen Kaplin, Head of Humanitarian Mission Proliska. “Social transport is a lifeline.”
Humanitarian Mission Proliska is just one of the many humanitarian organizations that stepped in after recognizing the urgent need for assistance in regions devastated by the war. It offers social transportation services – a lifeline for people stranded in front-line towns.
"I was referred to the humanitarian organization [Humanitarian Mission Proliska],” Oleksandr explains, a glimmer of hope in his voice.
This referral marked a turning point in his quest for aid. Within a few days, he was on his way to Uzhhorod, located 1,200 km to the west of Ukraine, to receive proper medical care and support.
Proliska has offered social transport services since 2022, with support from the OCHA-managed Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine. It helped Oleksandr in every way possible.
For example, when he needed blood during surgery, the organization’s staff donated their blood without hesitation. "The blood was urgently needed for an older person, so I made the decision to contribute. If one can easily help, why not?” explains Proliska staff member Artem Bakalo. “Moreover, I have experience as a blood donor and frequently donate, especially given the ongoing war and the high demand for surgeries." Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, protection partners have provided evacuation and social transportation support to about 1.2 million people. In 2023, they assisted more than 170,000 people – 60 per cent of whom were older people and people with disabilities.
For example, when he needed blood during surgery, the organization’s staff donated their blood without hesitation. "The blood was urgently needed for an older person, so I made the decision to contribute. If one can easily help, why not?” explains Proliska staff member Artem Bakalo. “Moreover, I have experience as a blood donor and frequently donate, especially given the ongoing war and the high demand for surgeries." Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, protection partners have provided evacuation and social transportation support to about 1.2 million people. In 2023, they assisted more than 170,000 people – 60 per cent of whom were older people and people with disabilities.
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Story
06 June 2024
Kakhovka Dam destruction, one year on
One year ago today, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam unleashed a devastating flooding that left over 620 square kilometres of the Ukrainian territory under water. This was possibly one of the most significant incidents of damage to civilian infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The destruction claimed lives, forced thousands to flee, left thousands more stranded and laid waste to Ukrainian land and livelihoods on both sides of the front line The Kakhovka reservoir, the primary source of drinking water for over 700,000 people in southern Ukraine, was depleted. The catastrophic environmental effects of the flooding will linger for years to come, affecting not only Ukraine.The UN responseThe UN response was swift and continues today. Regrettably, denials from the Russian Federation prevented the UN from reaching people in Russian-occupied areas.In areas under Ukrainian control, the response began on day one. The UN and its partners rushed to provide people with desperately-needed water, food, health care, cash and protection and transport services, reaching close to 200,000 people in just a few days. Despite tremendous challenges, in June 2023 alone, the UN delivered approximately 20 inter-agency convoys bringing almost 80 truckloads of vital items to thousands of people affected by the disaster, in addition to the regular assistance provided separately by UN agencies and NGOs. Some supplies were delivered by boats and amphibious trucks, ensuring aid would reach people stranded by the flooding. Water, food, health and cash assistance to people impacted by the disasterThe UN and humanitarian organizations delivered around 20 million litres of bottled and trucked potable water, supported nearly 70 local water enterprises to ensure supply, supporting the drilling of boreholes for water production, including by delivering pumps, tap stands, water treatment units and water storage provided. Cash assistance was provided to nearly 40,000 people, while over 200,000 rations of ready-to-eat food were distributed in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Health assistance was also a priority, with mobile teams providing aid across the affected areas. The UN also supplied medical equipment, including emergency health kits, trauma kits, diagnostic tests, and treatments for acute watery diarrhoea, including cholera, sufficient to provide healthcare to nearly 38,000 people for three to six months.Nearly 65,000 emergency repair items and household supplies were distributed to people whose homes had been damaged in the Kherson region. From the earliest days of the disaster, Child Protection organizations reached over 14,000 people, including 7,300 children and over 6,600 caregivers, by deploying multidisciplinary mobile teams to the affected areas, providing mental health and psychosocial support, delivering essential supplies, and ensuring child protection case management and legal assistance.The response continues to ensure people can recover from this human-made catastropheThe UN response extends beyond the emergency phase and continues to support communities in southern Ukraine as they recover from yet another disaster caused by Russia’s invasion. This included supporting a Post Disaster Needs Assessment and an assessment on the environmental impact of the destruction to inform the ongoing response.In the following months, the UN and its partners repaired homes for hundreds of people and deployed nearly 200 health workers to southern Ukraine to ensure services would continue despite the destruction. Repairing and building alternative water sources became a priority, with mobile water treatment facilities deployed to the Kherson and Dnipro regions, water pumps sent to Nikopol, and efforts to increase the water supply from the Karachunivsky water complex, supporting 600,000 people in Krivy Rih City.
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Story
30 May 2024
A multi-generational story of endurance
"Mom, there's been an attack. The building of our collective centre was hit," Nadiia heard the voice say at the other end of the phone. "But please don’t worry, we are safe."In early April, Nadiia, 65, a Dnipro city resident, was attending an evening church service for peace in Ukraine when she received a call from her daughter. She immediately hurried back to the temporary shelter, commonly referred to as a collective centre. It became home for Nadiia, her daughter and granddaughter a year ago, when they fled their hometown in the Luhansk Region. They braced for yet another ordeal. Making her way through the city, Nadiia’s main concern was her 11-year-old granddaughter, Alisa, born with a disability and immobile. "All our lives revolve around Alisa," Nadiia explained tearfully. "We tried to comfort her in every possible way. I cannot express how difficult it was to leave our home seeking safety, only to find that safety remains elusive even here, far from the front lines." When she arrived at the collective centre, Nadiia found her daughter and Alisa in distress following the attack and comforted them. Several weeks later, they regained their footing. She explained: "Our family received assistance from psychologists, which greatly aided our recovery from this latest trauma." Nadiia expressed gratitude for the support her family received from humanitarian organizations before the attack in April: "Thanks to the volunteers and aid workers, we were able to flee in the first place. And upon arriving in Dnipro, they helped us arrange a space for a displaced child, provided a wheelchair, household items and more. The local community was very kind, sharing food and clothes with us." Humanitarian organizations had already helped repair the building where displaced families found shelter. But they will now have to repair it again. Following the incident, psychologists from the NGO Right to Protection swiftly intervened to assist people affected at the collective centre. Witnessing the attack's profound toll on people such as Nadiia, the mental health and psychosocial support team offered counselling sessions to help them process their emotions and fears. Nadiia and her family, in particular, received counselling to help them develop effective coping mechanisms. Through these efforts, they regained a sense of stability and hope amid the fear and uncertainty caused by the war. "Despite all the difficulties, I believe that one day we will be able to return to our peaceful home where we can live without fear," Nadiia concluded.
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Story
22 May 2024
Humanitarians’ resilience amid Ukraine’s ongoing war
As the war in Ukraine continues to exacerbate the humanitarian situation, local aid workers are helping people in places where humanitarian needs are dire, and the security situation is perilous. For more than a decade, humanitarians have risked their lives while their own families bear the brunt of the impact of war. Iryna: Navigating humanitarian challengesChernivtsi Region, western Ukraine "When we start a humanitarian project in Ukraine, the main concern is always about the safety of our workers." Iryna Chorna, 45, has been engaged in humanitarian response in Ukraine for more than 10 years. Her personal story is intertwined with the stories of many of the country’s displaced and war-affected people. Forced to flee her home twice – first from Donetsk City in 2014 and again in 2022 from Zaporizhzhia City – Iryna’s experiences fuelled her dedication to humanitarian work. "In 2014, I received humanitarian aid myself. Then I became a volunteer," she recalls. Today, she plays a pivotal role in training humanitarian workers and teams of the local humanitarian organization Posmishka UA across Ukraine. She explains: "We build the work of our teams in line with humanitarian principles. We also take the security training of our staff very seriously. Due to the situation in the country, every time we start a humanitarian project in Ukraine, our main concern is always about the lives of our workers." Since the beginning of this year, more than 30 incidents involving attacks and hostilities against humanitarian workers, facilities or vehicles have been reported by OCHA, with at least 3 aid workers killed and 11 injured. Despite the challenges, Iryna finds solace in her family, community and work. "I know I have chosen the right path in life," she says. "Together with my colleagues, we have opened over 50 child-friendly spaces, which provide relief to children across Ukraine. The gratitude and joy I see in their eyes gives me strength and inspiration to carry on."Oksana: Resilience amid personal tragedy Kharkiv Region, eastern Ukraine Oksana, a member of the local organization Humanitarian Mission Proliska, faced personal tragedy when a missile struck her home in January. As she recalls the harrowing experience, Oksana is overwhelmed with emotions: "It was really tough for me after the attack — so much pain and anger. Three months after the strike, my family and I are working to repair our home so we can have protection next winter." Oksana remains committed to her humanitarian work, helping others while rebuilding her home. "I now better understand the harsh reality people in such circumstances face; many are in much worse situations than myself. My job is to help," she says. "It’s very difficult to recover, but I have my family, my cats and dogs, and I recently adopted another pet; this helps me a lot." Dmytro: Championing well-beingDonetsk Region, eastern Ukraine"As the head of a humanitarian organization, I need to ensure that each of our staff has the capacity to cope." Dmytro Myshenin, 31, is the head of the local non-governmental organization (NGO) Angels of Salvation. It was set up two years ago and now has 348 staff, many of whom work close to the front line."With such a large number of people in the organization, we strive to take care of the well-being of each staff member," says Dmytro, who has worked as a volunteer since 2014. "Together with our team of psychologists and facilitators – 18 people altogether – we have developed programmes to support our workers. The biggest difficulty in our work is the insecurity due to constant shelling, air strikes and blackouts.” Dmytro finds strength in seeing the support his organization brings to war-affected people: "I feel joy and relief seeing our work bring results." Hanna: Adapting to daily challenges Mykolaiv Region, southern Ukraine "All people hope they will not be left alone in peril." Hanna, a lawyer turned humanitarian worker, leads a regional team for the NGO Right to Protection, in the southern regions of Kherson, Mykolaiv and Odesa, assisting internally displaced and war-affected people.She acknowledges that stress, fatigue and burnout are daily realities for aid workers. "People's internal resources are not limitless," she says. "Too often, humanitarian workers push themselves beyond their limits to help those in need."Hanna admits that she sometimes neglects her well-being while confronting blatant human rights violations. But she believes these challenges allow her to grow personally and professionally. Hanna's team regularly meet staff psychologists to develop their coping mechanisms. “Some situations are truly heart-wrenching,” she reflects. "One instance is when a colleague chose to come and help people affected by the shelling that also claimed the lives of his relatives." Despite the conflict’s toll, Hanna draws strength from her team and the impact they have on those they serve. "All people hope they will be supported in peril, and I’m glad I can share my strength and help the vulnerable," she says. Lyudmyla: Finding strength in making a difference Sumy Region, northern Ukraine"Making a difference in people’s lives fills me with the greatest strength and inspiration." Lyudmyla, 37, joined local NGO Rokada as a humanitarian worker in the Sumy Region when the full-scale invasion started. "I just couldn't pass by seeing the struggle of people around me," she says. Like many other regions in Ukraine, Sumy is a place of uncertainty and hardship. Lyudmyla explains: "People are fleeing areas of intense attacks, often arriving with nothing more than they were wearing, lacking essentials such as kitchenware or medication."The work is intense, and humanitarians need to listen to people’s grievances and seek the best solutions. "There are moments when you return home and crave solitude," she adds. "But I manage my stress, find solace and satisfaction in my work and receive support from our psychologists." Above all, knowing that her work makes a difference for affected people gives Lyudmyla a sense of fulfilment. "People reach out to say 'Thank you, I don't know what we would have done without your help.' Such words fill me with joy and drive to continue helping others."
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Story
01 May 2024
Winter aid brings warmth to war-affected people
As spring brings warm temperatures to Ukraine, Olha, a mother of three, reflects on the past winter with gratitude for the support received. Last year, the family was forced to flee their hometown in eastern Ukraine due to intense hostilities that devastated residential areas and caused civilian casualties. Fortunately, Olha found a new home and refuge in Kozylivka Village, Chernihiv Region, in the north of the country, through an online advertisement of a family willing to donate their homes to displaced people. But recalling the state of their new home, Olha describes it as dismal: "The building had been uninhabited for some time and was in poor condition. Cracks appeared in the old wooden window frames, letting the wind and rain inside. I worried that we wouldn't be able to keep the house warm during the cold." However, their situation improved when they received assistance through OCHA's implementing partner agency ZOA, funded by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, as part of a winter response project. "The aid workers installed new windows and provided us with firewood," Olha says with a smile. "So, we could enjoy the comfort and safety of our new home this winter." The onset of Ukraine’s winter conditions – which usually start around October and last until late March – added another layer of vulnerability in a country where nearly 14.6 million people need aid, according to the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024. “Freezing winter months are already extremely challenging for people to survive, let alone when their homes and critical civilian infrastructure constantly come under fire,” explains Sarah Hilding der Weduwen, Head of OCHA Ukraine. More than 110 aid organizations developed a joint Winter Response Plan to alleviate people’s hardships, ensuring they were not left to endure the harsh winter alone. Six months since the plan’s inception, it has aided more than 2 million Ukrainians, one of whom is Olha. The regions nearest to the front line received the most assistance, as they are bearing the brunt of relentless hostilities, widespread destruction, job losses and restricted access to essential services. This aid was particularly directed towards regions accommodating the largest number of displaced people, notably the Dnipro, Donetsk and Kharkiv Regions. More than 900,000 people received cash and in-kind support, including fuel; more than 400,000 people received winter supplies, such as blankets and sleeping bags; and some 300,000 people received winter clothes. Over 400,000 people benefited from humanitarians’ support for district heating systems, and around 60,000 people received feed or livestock to ensure food security. Sites hosting people fleeing violence were supported with insulation and other refurbishments. The Winter Response Plan complements the Government’s efforts, and requests for assistance are already pouring in for the coming winter. Ms. Hilding der Weduwen added: “Attacks on energy infrastructure weakened the already plummeted energy system of Ukraine, which may lead to dire consequences for people when temperatures drop below -20°C next year. To help Ukrainians survive the next harsh winter, we must act now.”
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Story
02 May 2024
Ukraine partners with UNODC in implementing the PACE.UA Programme to support Prison Services
In April 2024, UNODC in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and with the generous support of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, initiated a new programme aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, crisis preparedness and response capacity of the State Penitentiary Service while ensuring compliance with international and European prison standards.This initiative, named the Penitentiary Assistance in Response to the Armed Conflict and Emergency Needs in Ukraine (PACE.UA), will operate from April 2024 to December 2025 in partnership with the state counterparts, civil society organizations and various international and national partners. The official launch of the PACE.UA took place on 24 April 2024 during a joint meeting involving the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Department for the Execution of Criminal Punishment and the Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine. Derived from assessments conducted during 2023 and feedback gathered from government officials, civil society organizations, and subject matter experts, UNODC conducted a series of engagements in 2023 to provide support to the Ukrainian government, shaping the foundation of the PACE.UA Programme. Navigating challenges and managing emergencies in prisonsThe negative impact of the ongoing war severely deteriorates prison conditions and hinders the State Penitentiary Service’s ability to ensure continued security, safety and essential provision, aggravated by the critical shortages of energy, heating, water supplies and essential items such as generators, clothing, bedding, sanitary items and medical supplies. During the launch ceremony, national counterparts reaffirmed the urgent need to mitigate the war’s severe effects on prisons, their management and the treatment of prisoners and probation clients. They highlighted the imperative for institutional capacity-building in the Penitentiary and Probation Services to support the Ministry of Justice in harmonising its practices with international and European standards, ensuring effective implementation of the emergency relief measures and crisis preparedness.In response to these pressing national, the PACE.UA Programme is dedicated to strengthening the operational capacity, crisis responsiveness and compliance of the State Penitentiary Service with the Nelson Mandela Rules. A Joint Action Plan for the implementation of the programme was signed, outlining the following objectives:Aligning the State Penitentiary Service operations with international and European standards for the treatment of prisoners, and Strengthening the institutional resilience of the State Penitentiary Service to proactively address and swiftly respond to existing and potential future disruptions and other emergency requirements in prisons Ms. Olena Vysotska, Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, embraced the new initiative designed to support Ukraine’s penitentiary system during armed conflict and commented:“The penitentiary system of Ukraine has been significantly affected over the past two years and requires immediate action for restoration and future development. We urgently need highly specialized expertise to assist us in achieving our shared goal of ensuring the protection of human rights. We greatly appreciate the support of UNODC and the Government of Germany, and we extend our best wishes for the success of the future programme.”Ms. Harsheth Virk, Head of the UNODC Programme Office for Ukraine acknowledged the Ministry of Justice's commendable efforts in the penitentiary sphere, underscoring the significance of addressing the unique challenges and security threats in the context of armed conflict and emergencies. Emphasizing the program's comprehensive approach to addressing these obstacles through capacity-building activities, rehabilitation efforts, and infrastructure improvements, she noted:“This new program represents the culmination of our collaborative efforts over the past year, and UNODC is delighted to have this opportunity to support the Ukrainian government in the area of penitentiary reform.”Ms. Virk thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for their support and expressed confidence that the programme will enhance the institutional capacity of Ukraine's penitentiary system to go through the challenging times and effectively address emergency requirements in prisons."In the face of unexpected circumstances, the implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules demands resilience. However, with the collective support and collaboration of our national and international partners, we hold steadfast confidence in achieving success and making a positive change," Yevhen Silic and Galyna Zhytnyk (Prison Service of Ukraine).
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Press Release
13 June 2024
ATTACKS KILLING AND INJURING CIVILIANS AND DAMAGING EDUCATION FACILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ARE UNACCEPTABLE
I am appalled by the toll of yesterday’s attack on Kryviy Rih City in the Dnipro Region, which killed and injured civilians, including children, in a residential area of a densely populated city. The attack also struck educational facilities and left numerous residential multi-storey buildings in Kryviy Rih City damaged. Aid workers are on-site providing psychological support to people affected and terrified by the attack as well as materials for the quick repair of damaged homes. Strikes on Ukrainian cities by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to bring devastating human loss. International humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians and civilian objects, including homes and education facilities, must be protected.
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Press Release
13 June 2024
In Berlin, IOM, International Community Commit to Supporting Ukraine's Recovery
IOM Deputy Director General for Management and Reform Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano underscored IOM’s unwavering commitment to the people of Ukraine and appreciation to the Government of Germany for their continued support to IOM.“We must do all we can to help all those affected by the war, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Vojáčková-Sollorano. “Empowering local communities and authorities to lead in their own recovery and reconstruction will be key in this process.”Conference organizers including the German Federal Foreign Office and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Government of Ukraine garnered widespread political and financial support over the two-day conference through the establishment of coalitions and alliances which outline commitments to advance solutions on a range of thematic areas.Signatory to five alliances on the themes of small-medium enterprises, sustainable municipalities, skills building, health, and gender, IOM has committed to enhancing its work across public and private sector partnerships to deliver innovative solutions towards Ukraine’s economic and social recovery. Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano stressed the importance of supporting the redevelopment of micro and small businesses, skills building for internally displaced persons and veterans to enter or re-enter the labour market, and reconstruction of municipal housing.In the framework of the conference, IOM also secured an additional EUR 20 million in funding from the European Union to help improve border management infrastructure and enhance the flow of essential goods through Ukraine’s borders. Discussions also highlighted the tragic impacts of the ongoing and increasing hostilities in eastern Ukraine which has faced daily attacks in recent weeks. IOM Ukraine’s Chief of Mission Alessia Schiavon reflected on the situation in the east.“Communities continue to suffer and humanitarian needs remain high,” said Schiavon. “We must not forget that the war continues to rage on – destroying lives and shattering any hope for recovery for thousands. IOM is committed to staying and delivering to ensure those affected get the help they need.”IOM’s Ukraine response spans 12 countries and has assisted 6.5 million people since the start of the war. IOM appeals to the donor community to help fund the response which requires USD 1.5 billion over the next three years as outlined in the IOM Strategic Response Plan: Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries 2024-2026.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery in Ukraine Launched with strong support of governments, UN agencies, private sector and civil society
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to disproportionately affect women and girls, the need for targeted and inclusive recovery efforts to support them has become more urgent. Women in Ukraine face higher rates of poverty, displacement, and gender-based violence, and are the majority in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite their crucial roles in humanitarian, defense, and early recovery efforts, women continue to encounter barriers to formal decision-making and equality in economic life.Ukraine has made significant strides in mainstreaming gender equality in its recovery and reconstruction plans, which have been expedited since the 2022 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Lugano. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Platform for Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusive Recovery, led by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and women’s rights organizations’ inclusion in recovery discussions via the CSO Consultative Panel. The new Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery is a way for international partners to support these efforts.Recent OECD data shows that since the escalation of Russia's invasion in 2022, there has been a decrease in international funding for gender equality. In 2022, ODA to Ukraine jumped from US$1.3 billion in 2021 to $18.9 billion. At the same time 90 percent or $17.1 billion (90 per cent) of this funding did not include any gender equality objectives. Only $44 million was allocated to efforts to advance gender equality as the principal objective.The Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery is a concerted effort to improve funding and financing for gender equality in Ukraine’s recovery. The significant commitments that Alliance signatories agree to include:Integrating Gender Perspectives into Funding and Resources: Increasing the share of funding for projects that advance gender equality and protect women and girls, applying the OECD DAC’s gender policy marker, and ensuring transparent monitoring and reporting of fund allocations.Ensuring Women’s Participation and Representation: Supporting the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and women’s rights organizations in decision-making processes at all levels, including in the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform (MDCP) for Ukraine and future Ukraine Recovery Conferences.Prioritizing Women’s Rights and Needs: Delivering financial and technical assistance that addresses the specific needs of women and girls, utilizing tools for gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and financing projects identified in the Ukraine Plan and the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA).The Alliance will work closely with the Platform for Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusive Recovery and the CSO Consultative Panel to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach in the run-up to the next URC in Rome.Members of the Alliance are encouraged to support initiatives that promote gender equality, women’s protection, and empowerment; and to prioritize the needs of displaced women, returnees, disabled women, veterans, rural women, and LGBTIQ+ persons, ensuring their participation in recovery decision-making processes. By joining forces, the Alliance will create a sustainable impact that will grow as recovery progresses.As part of its commitment, the business community is encouraged to adopt the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and implement them within Ukraine. Concrete actions outlined in the 2024 Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3) provide a clear roadmap for meeting the specific needs of women and girls in the recovery and reconstruction phases.Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women representative in Ukraine: “This year’s URC has spotlighted women and girls’ recovery needs and their leadership in responding to Russia’s aggression. The Alliance sends a strong signal of international unity to further strengthen support to gender equality and women's empowerment in Ukraine in partnership with the Government of Ukraine and civil society.”The launch of the Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Ukraine. By prioritizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the Alliance aims to ensure that Ukraine's recovery efforts build back better and more equal.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
UNECE, UNEP and OECD launch Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine
International support has been mobilised to help to meet Ukraine’s immediate needs, including ongoing support to assess the environmental damage. At the same time, efforts are underway to support the post-war economic and social recovery and reconstruction. Now is the time to ensure that the recovery and development of Ukraine follows green economy and low-emission development principles, and that these are not seen as only desirable or optional, but as an economic necessity for a fundamental transformation of Ukraine’s economy and society. To support this, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are establishing a Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine. A joint statement was signed today at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin. UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean stated “the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine signals our joint commitment to assist Ukraine to not only rebuild but transition toward a green economy that is inclusive, low-carbon and resilient. UNECE tools for environmental governance and infrastructure investment strengthen the foundations for this transition, and we stand ready to support the government to shape the required regulatory, policy and institutional frameworks.” “War is, quite literally, toxic, affecting our environments and in turn, the air we breathe, our water systems, and our food systems – this new Platform aims to support the people of Ukraine in their recovery, supporting their path to a greener, more sustainable future,” said Bruno Pozzi, Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division, UNEP.The Platform’s establishment responds to the invitation made by Ministers to the three organizations at the 9th Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference held in October 2022 in Cyprus to prioritize assessing the most urgent environmental needs in Ukraine based upon the methodology of the UNECE Environmental Performance Review Programme. This assessment should also consider the results of ongoing and planned impacts assessments, and to make recommendations to advance a sustainable recovery of the country, in line with the Lugano Declaration and its seven principles adopted at the Ukraine Recovery Conference of 4–5 July 2022. The Secretariats of UNECE, UNEP and the OECD will work together in a coordination group to provide direction on the overall strategy and long-term goals of their support to Ukraine and thematic priorities, taking into consideration the consultations of a stakeholder forum. The coordination group will also support monitoring the progress of the Platform towards its objectives and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of its activities. A Support Unit will be set up by UNEP in Kyiv to facilitate this cooperation and the implementation of activities to achieve the Platform’s objectives, subject to the availability of the necessary resources. The Secretariats of UNECE, UNEP and the OECD will review the progress achieved in their cooperation after a period of three years and consider any further measures that may be desirable to enhance that cooperation. A green recovery offers an opportunity for Ukraine’s economic diversification by shifting towards sustainable, modern and innovative industries and agriculture, low-emission transport, renewable energy and clean, energy-efficient technologies and buildings. By prioritizing renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, Ukraine can decrease its dependence on natural gas, bolster energy security and resilience of energy systems, provide potential for green energy exports and reduce vulnerability to geopolitical pressures. This will also support Ukraine’s alignment with the EU Green Deal, a key pillar of Ukraine’s EU future membership. Finally, a green recovery will also align Ukraine with global efforts to combat climate change, as well as fulfilling the country’s commitments under other global environmental agreements. It can enhance its own resilience to climate-related risks through climate-adaptive infrastructure, including nature-based solutions, and other developments. Note to editors The Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine will provide a forum for Ukrainian and international partners to: Define the meaning of green recovery for Ukraine also considering the status of Ukraine as candidate for EU accession; Support actions to prioritise and accelerate reform of policies and legislation, practices and institutions and to mobilise whole-of-government commitment and engagement for greening the post-war recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine; Support the development of amendments to the financial constitution and financial instruments which can facilitate the implementation of the Green Recovery Strategy; Support co-ordination and mobilisation of additional expertise and funding to promote a science-based, systemic and coordinated green recovery and set Ukraine on a net zero and climate-resilient development trajectory; Identify challenges and opportunities for strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of international support in close co-operation with the already existing support formats. The Platform will build on and complement existing international efforts and mechanisms that support Ukraine to address environmental challenges during the war and for its post-war recovery.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
WFP SUPPORTED MORE THAN 5 MILLION MEALS FOR UKRAINIAN SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
As part of its school feeding programme, WFP funds 30 per cent of the cost of daily hot meals for children in 673 schools across Ukraine. Schools use the funds to improve the quality of the meals or to reduce the fees parents pay to school canteens. In total, WFP transferred more than UAH 66 million to participating schools.The programme is implemented in Kyiv, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Vinnytsia oblasts – selected based on criteria such as the number of internally displaced families and levels of food insecurity."One of our top priorities is to ensure that children receive tasty, healthy meals every day at school, and to help their parents spend less of their budget on food and less time worrying about their children’s nutrition," said Marianne Ward, WFP Ukraine Country Director ad interim. “We are proud to work closely with the Government and regional authorities on this programme and looking forward to next year.” "Providing high-quality nutrition in schools for all students is essential for their health both now and in the future. It is during childhood that dietary habits are formed, and it is within our power to teach children to choose healthy foods,” said Andriy Stashkiv, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. “WFP supports us with children’s nutrition, as the humanitarian situation in Ukraine means that not all parents can afford school lunches. I am thankful to WFP for their cooperation and the significant contribution they make to the health of our students.”WFP implements the programme under the framework of the Government’s School Nutrition Reform led by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Science. The programme was started in 2022, initially for 58 schools in Kyiv oblast, before expanding across the country this year. School feeding is one of many ways WFP supports Ukrainians affected by the war. WFP also distributes food boxes in areas closest to the frontline, where food is hard to find or very expensive, distributes cash assistance to vulnerable Ukrainians across the country, and supports the safe release of mined agricultural land in the Kharkiv region to help farmers and food producers resume work. WFP also chartered 25 vessels to export Ukrainian grain to countries in need through the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Grain From Ukraine Initiative.***The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow updates on X @WFPUkraine and on Facebook @WFPinUkraineFor more information, please contact: Nataliia Nychai, WFP/Kyiv, +380 931880938, email: nataliia.nychai@wfp.org
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