Ukraine went through a deep political crisis in 2014 which led to a major internal conflict. Protests and rising tensions between Ukrainian authorities and armed groups, allegedly backed by the Russian Federation, started in April 2014 and led to open conflict in the South and East of Ukraine. Since then, heavy fighting has continued in the eastern area of Donbas between the Ukrainian security forces and armed groups. As of 20 March 2015, the Ukrainian government reported more than 1.1 million registered IDPs across the country. Some 700’000 persons sought refuge abroad. Between mid-April 2014 and March 2015 some 6000 civilian people (including 63 children) have died and more than 13,000 (including 159 children) have been injured in the conflict area of eastern Ukraine. Many IDPs have exhausted their financial resources and face difficulties paying for accommodation, food, and non-food items. The humanitarian situation hs been deteriorating since December 2014 rapidly and is likely to deteriorate further.

On 12 February 2015, an agreement was reached between several European heads of state by which a ceasefire would start on 15 February. The ceasefire is in the meantime mostly respected. Heavy weapons started to be withdrawn from the front line buffer zone. Two SHA assessment missions were conducted; the first to Kharkov and Donetsk oblasts and Dnepropetrovsk, the second SHA mission to the buffer zone and Non-Government Controlled Areas.

To contribute to a structured and efficient principle-based humanitarian response, inter alia by providing much needed material assistance to avoid the collapse of health services and facilitate access to drinking water, as well as by providing emergency food and shelter repair assistance to some of the most vulnerable populations in government controlled and non-government controlled areas.

Direct beneficiaries: 8’000 vulnerable people (PIN), up to 500 chronically ill people (Health), 10’000 people (Marinka water), total 18’500 direct beneficiaries

Indirect beneficiaries: The population of the oblasts of Donetsk benefit from a better coordination, continued firefighting and rescue services, the population of the Donetsk Oblast (3’700’000 people) has continued access to water

• The principle-based response is well coordinated and reaches the most vulnerable people
• Access to drinking water and medical care is maintained, and emergency services are available to provide life-saving activities

Erwartete Resultate:  

• TA1/ Coordination: OCHA has increased its coordination and reporting capacity in the areas affected by the conflict in the East of the country and is able to direct the international humanitarian response in an efficient manner.
• TA 2/ WASH: The Donbas water services can provide sufficient drinking water of good quality to cover the needs of the whole population of Donetsk Oblast; Marinka population has access to water
• TA 3/ Health: Chronically ill and other people in need of medical assistance can be treated in fully equipped hospitals and MEPUs
• TA 4/ Emergency Assistance: The living conditions of 8’000 of the most vulnerable conflict-affected people in Donetsk oblast have been improved for three months through the provision of emergency food aid, shelter assistance and cash response for survival needs

UN Agencies (WHO, Unicef), ICRC, I/NGOs, Government line Agencies etc.

OCHA coordinates disaster response operations with the support from FDMA and PDMA. Both work closely with I/NGOs, donors and UN agencies.

Phase 2 01.04.2015 - 31.03.2016   (Completed)