ReliefWeb

Highlights

• An estimated 3.9 million people are living in areas directly affected by violence.

• A mixed picture of displacement exists with a significant increase of people fleeing the violence around Donetsk and Luhansk and substantial numbers of returns.

• Incessant combat actions in urban and suburban areas of Donbas region led to a rise in fatalities (including civilians).

• Close to 200,000 people live in residential areas of combat with no water supply.

• Continued shelling and fighting increases the number of killed and injured and the scale of damage to local infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies, public and residential buildings of the region.

• A Preliminary Response Plan developed by international and national humanitarian partners is scheduled for release in the first week of August.

111,616 internally displaced Source: UNHCR

163,000 fled to Russia (Jan-Jul) Source: UNHCR

Situation Overview

Continued fighting has led to a further increase in displacement both within and beyond the Donbas region, and further damages to the local infrastructure, electricity and water supply system, and to public and residential buildings. Lawlessness is again on the rise. A rise in the number of casualties has been reported over the last week, including civilians. By the most conservative estimates of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) and the World Health Organization (WHO) based on best data available, at least 1,367 persons have been killed and 4,087 wounded in the fighting in east Ukraine since mid-April and until 1 August. These totals include losses of Ukrainian armed forces as reported by the Council for National Security and Defence, and casualties reported by local authorities and medical establishments. The latter include civilian fatalities and could include deaths of members of the armed groups, for which no total losses are known. The safety and security of the people stuck in the conflict area is of great concern. Intensification of the fighting will likely result in a steep rise in civilian mortalities, while at the same time contributing to a continuation of the outflow of people and a substantial disruption of services. Cases of deliberate targeting by armed groups of critical public utilities like electricity, sewerage and water plants, as well as roads and bridges are reportedly on the rise.

The displacement situation has witnessed two opposing developments over the last week. On one hand people have started returning to areas where the government has regained control. The government and several civil society organizations are organizing free transport for those ready to go back to their place of origin. At the same time, many more people have been displaced due to the intensified fighting in sub-urban areas. As of 29 July, some 112,000 people have reportedly been displaced within Ukraine (both from Crimea and Donbas regions), which is roughly 10,000 more than a week ago. Over 163,000 people have reportedly fled to Russia. The protracted displacement of population is beginning to create problems in host areas, where incidents of violence between host populations and IDPs over the use of local resources are reportedly growing.

Lack of coordination, planning and recourse are becoming more evident as displacement increases. The absence of a unified and centralized IDP registration system prevents effective coordination of preparedness and response activities. The rapidly approaching school year (beginning 1 September) and start of the cold season (preparations for winterization should be complete by 15 October) are expected to worsen the conditions of IDPs residing in dormitories and sanatoria. Additional works are required to install heating systems and/or provide alternative shelter.

The risk of an outbreak of communicable diseases among IDPs and affected population trapped in the area of conflict remains high. Due to the intermittent electricity and water supply in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk (Debаltseve, Dokuchaeivsk, Horlivka, Volnovakha, and Vugledar), access to drinking water is of serious concern.

Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, the humanitarian community developed a Preliminary Response Plan that lays the foundation for future humanitarian response in Ukraine based on an overarching strategic goal and four strategic objectives that will guide sector-specific action and response. The plan will be upgraded with sector-specific funding requirements in due course.