Highlights
June saw the highest number of civilian casualties (including children) in the conflict area of eastern Ukraine since August 2015. UNICEF’s best result in June was with regard to access to education for children in eastern Ukraine, with one project rehabilitating schools finalized, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the authorities in Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts. On 2 June, UNICEF delivered 4.9metric tonnes of antiretroviral drugs and HIV kits for distribution in Donetsk and Luhansk non-government controlled areas.
The number of civilian casualties (69) in June was the highest since August 2015, with 57 people injured and 12 killed (eight children injured and two killed).
UNICEF finalized the rehabilitation of 35 schools and kindergartens in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, enabling safe access to education for more than 15,000 children.
On 30 June, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNICEF and the Governors of Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts was widely covered in regional media. The MoU outlined the collaboration between the oblasts and UNICEF regarding the expansion of kindergarten seats, as well as the provision of sports equipment and introduction of Sports for Development training in schools.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Increasing insecurity in eastern Ukraine continued to threaten the provision of services to the affected population. Exchanges of fire close to water filter stations near Donetsk and Horlivka meant that staff there operated under challenging and dangerous circumstances. Access to non-government controlled areas continued to be obstructed by the de facto authorities, so UNICEF provided limited assistance through its NGO partners. The number of civilian casualties (69) in June was the highest since August 2015, with 57 people injured and 12 killed (eight children injured and two killed).Water needs increased at checkpoints, with more people spending hours waiting to cross.