UN says rising hostilities displace civilians, limit humanitarian access in Ukraine

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN on Thursday has reported that deadly hostilities continued along the front-line regions of Ukraine displacing civilians and damaging civilian infrastructure.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at a regular news briefing on Thursday that Donetsk, Kherson and Sumy regions sustained the most damage, with several civilians reportedly killed, and many displaced,

“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that food insecurity remains a concern in front-line and border regions,” he added.

According to a recent assessment by the WFP and the FAO the conflict has devastated livelihoods and quadrupled poverty levels, left the most vulnerable displaced people at greatest risk.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the challenges.

“This frontline stretches 700 miles and countless towns and villages are still without the basics for survival,” she said.

The work of humanitarians is more vital, with over 400,000 people in Donetsk and Kherson receiving food and agricultural support in addition to cash-based assistance.

Over 130 humanitarian organizations have distributed food and livelihood assistance to over 1.8 million people across the country, WFP stated.

The hostilities becoming increasingly deadly, humanitarian access remains limited.

There has been a 50 per cent increase in civilian deaths when compared to the same period last year.

Authorities urged the 10,000 people who remain in the front-line region to evacuate for their own safety.

“For those who stayed or those who came back, there are no jobs, no income and no opportunity,” Ms. McCain added.