HIGHLIGHTS
ERC O’Brien visits Kyiv and eastern Ukraine from November 2–4
Self-proclaimed authorities permit UNHCR to resume activities in Luhansk NGCAs, but access restrictions continue to impede humanitarian deliveries in Ukraine
Up to 100,000 people require winterization assistance in GCAs and NGCAs
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
International media report that several clashes have occurred in recent weeks despite a September 1 ceasefire agreement between the Government of Ukraine (GoU) and separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, potentially exacerbating humanitarian needs.
Self-proclaimed authorities continue to restrict humanitarian organizations’ access to the non-government controlled areas (NGCAs) of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Despite bureaucratic and other access constraints, relief agencies are working to deliver much-needed winterization supplies and other humanitarian assistance in both NGCAs and government-controlled areas (GCAs); self-proclaimed authorities recently granted access for a UN agency to resume humanitarian activities in the NGCAs of Luhansk.
UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Stephen O’Brien traveled to the capital city of Kyiv and eastern Ukraine between November 2 and 4 to meet with GoU officials, self-proclaimed authorities in NGCAs, and representatives of the humanitarian community to advocate for improved humanitarian access and the delivery of aid to those most in need. ERC O’Brien also visited displaced populations in conflict-affected areas, including Luhansk.
Displaced households, host communities, and other vulnerable populations in Ukraine remain in need of emergency relief commodities, food, safe drinking water, and shelter support, according to the UN. Relief agencies are providing winterization support to accessible conflict-affected populations, which require shelter assistance, monetary support to ensure utility payments, and relief commodities.