UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: Humanitarian Partners in Ukraine Appeal for $187 Million to Assist 2.3 Million People in Need of Assistance and Protection
(Geneva, 7 December 2017): The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Neal Walker, today briefed UN Member States in Geneva on the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine as part of the launch of the country’s Externer Link: Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for 2018. The plan outlines the key humanitarian relief and protection activities required to meet the critical needs of 2.3 million men, women and children affected by the conflict in 2018.
As Ukraine enters its fourth year of conflict, many of the affected people have exhausted their savings and ability to cope. They are now forced to make impossible choices between food, medicine, shelter, heating or their children’s education. Millions of women, children and the elderly are daily at risk of shelling, intensive fighting and other hostilities. Through only five operational checkpoints along the 457-kilometre ‘contact line’, up to one million people cross every month to access basic services, pensions, social benefits and maintain family networks.
Mr. Walker said that "the people of eastern Ukraine continue to pay the highest price for the conflict. While Ukraine may no longer be front page news, millions of men, women and children urgently require our help. Today, I call on the Member States to show their solidarity by supporting this important appeal”. Mr. Walker also stressed that "lasting peace is the only humanitarian solution for millions of people affected”.
Of the 4.4 million people affected by the conflict, some 3.4 million people require humanitarian assistance and protection. Of those in need, 2.3 million civilians are considered most vulnerable, many of whom are the elderly, women and children. Thirty-two international and 16 national organisations urgently require US$187 million to reach them with critical humanitarian assistance and protection. Without funding, humanitarian organisations will be unable to support vulnerable communities during the harsh winter months.