Attachments
Introduction
This report summarises the findings of DRC protection monitoring conducted in Ukraine in Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts in the North, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts in the East, Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts in the South between July and September 2024. This report seeks to identify trends in protection risks and rights violations, challenges facing conflict-affected populations, and barriers in access to services (particularly for the most vulnerable) across surveyed oblasts during the reporting period. Findings inform ongoing and planned humanitarian response, enable identifying vulnerable people for individual support, and support evidence-based advocacy on behalf of persons of concern. Findings from protection monitoring are visualised in an interactive dashboard, enabling DRC and all relevant stakeholders to easily access this data.
To view the Protection Monitoring dashboard summarizing the main findings for the reporting period, click here
Key findings include:
- Evacuation efforts in conflict-affected areas, including Donetsk and Sumy regions, face significant challenges, including lack of timely information, inadequate communication channels, and accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities. The influx of evacuees in areas like Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts has significantly increased the workload of social protection and administrative services, resulting in longer processing times for applications and delays in service delivery.
- Increased mobilisation efforts and the implementation of mobilisation laws have further restricted movement for men at risk of conscription, leading to widespread fear and anxiety, and have increased financial strain on families as men often avoid public life, impacting their ability to work.
- The ongoing conflict has heightened gender-based violence (GBV) risks, especially for adolescent girls. Factors contributing to this include limited access to education, increased military presence, and rising household responsibilities for girls as male family members are mobilized. Reports indicate a rise in cyber-harassment and exploitation, along with a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health education, further exacerbating vulnerabilities.
- The emotional toll of the conflict is severe, affecting both children and adults. High levels of anxiety and distress are prevalent, particularly among internally displaced people (IDP) and families of military personnel. Concerns for children’s safety and well-being are prominent. The isolation from traditional support networks and societal stigma surrounding mental health services hinder access to necessary psychological support.
- Displaced individuals face severe challenges in securing stable and affordable housing, often relying on temporary solutions such as staying with locals host community populations or in damaged homes. The financial strain, exacerbated by rising rental costs and the cancellation of IDP payments (for individuals no longer eligible for IDP benefits after the change in legislation), has forced many to return or live in precarious situations. This instability contributes to heightened anxiety and uncertainty among displaced populations, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as older individuals and single parents.
- Access to healthcare remains a critical challenge for households, particularly for older individuals and those with disabilities. The absence of specialized services further impacts vulnerable populations, leading to increased reliance on family members for care. Financial strain, particularly following the cancellation of IDP allowances, has made it increasingly difficult for many to afford necessary medical expenses, contributing to further health risks and social isolation. Additionally, fear of conscription has deterred men from seeking medical care, compounding existing healthcare challenges.