Ukraine: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (July - August 2023) [EN/UK]

OVERVIEW

Humanitarian access during July and August 2023 continued to be heavily impacted by hostilities along the front line and the international border with the Russian Federation, creating both physical and administrative impediments for humanitarians assisting people in these areas. During the period, a total of 33 incidents impacting humanitarian access were reported, which is the same number recorded during the previous two months, highlighting persistent challenges to the humanitarian operation. Most of these incidents had a moderate or severe impact on the delivery of aid. 13 incidents were characterized as acts of violence involving humanitarian personnel and assets, resulting in the suspension of humanitarian operations. One humanitarian worker was killed, and eight others were injured in the line of duty during the period. In comparison, during the previous two months, two humanitarian workers were injured. This deterioration of the security situation poses a serious threat to the safety and security of humanitarian workers operating in Ukraine.

The impact of shelling on humanitarian distribution sites has impeded relief efforts, with at least six infrastructure facilities designated for the storage and distribution of humanitarian aid having sustained partial or severe damage. On 25 August 2023, while conducting an inter-agency humanitarian convoy to Stepnohirsk in Zaporizka Oblast, shelling damaged two trucks provided by the Logistic Cluster, which were transporting multi-sectoral aid to support 1,250 people.

Due to the security situation in areas with increased hostilities, authorities in some areas established requirements for humanitarian and civilian movement.
Evacuation orders and stricter access permit conditions affected access in areas along the Russian Federation border in Sumska and Kharkivska oblasts (especially in Kupianskyi Raion).

Military conscription of humanitarian personnel and bureaucratic impediments have also been reported. Between July and August, at least 13 aid workers were conscripted into military service. Engagement with the Government to set up effective legal and procedural instruments enabling the reservation of humanitarian staff is underway. Moreover, at least six bureaucratic access-related incidents have been reported, encompassing limitations on personnel movement into and within the country, as well as operational interference in humanitarian activities. These factors add further layers of complexity to the efficient delivery of aid.

Humanitarian organizations continue to explore the most effective means to reach people in these areas and provide assistance, despite the challenges faced, and 15 inter-agency convoys successfully delivered critical life-saving supplies to approximately 22,000 people residing in 19 hromadas near the front line during July and August.