Millions in eastern Ukraine endure invisible wounds of war
After five years of conflict, aid agencies are striving to meet the mental health needs of those affected. By Iryna Tymchyshyn in Svitlodarsk, Ukraine The thought of one more night sheltering in her dark, damp basement makes Maryna*, 56, tremble, after five years of...
UNHCR says Ukraine landmine risk needs urgent action
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for increased efforts to address the dangers...
Clearing landmines in Ukraine, one careful step at a time
Ukraine is one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, limiting freedom of movement and posing a serious threat to civilians crossing the contact line. By Oksana Grytsenko in Toretsk, Ukraine Sheltering in the basement of his family home in eastern Ukraine,...
LGBTI and displaced people on the frontline of Ukraine conflict
Fighting is not the only thing driving people from their homes in eastern Ukraine. Persecution is also forcing LGBTI people to flee. When Viktor,* a 27-year-old gay man, opened his door to police one morning, he knew his secret was out. His claims of having a...
Struggle to resume life after Ukraine conflict
Andrei Lubyanoy is raising his three young daughters alone, a noble task that is difficult under any circumstances. In the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine, it is even more daunting. During the 2014 hostilities, which cost thousands of lives and uprooted hundreds of...
Survival a struggle in Eastern Ukraine as winter looms
ZAITSEVE, Ukraine, Dec 23 (UNHCR)—When artillery shattered the roof of her cottage in this eastern Ukraine village, single mother Nina sought a home that offered more protection from the fighting for herself and her five young children. “It’s probably...
UNHCR delivers vital winter aid in eastern Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine, Nov 9 (UNHCR)—For the first time since the suspension of its activities, the UN refugee agency has delivered vital winter aid including plastic sheeting, timber and thousands of blankets for distribution to up to 12,000 highly vulnerable people in an...
Winter looms as fighting continues to displace people in Ukraine
GENEVA, October 24 (UNHCR) –With the crisis in Ukraine entering its first winter, UNHCR is racing to help some of the most vulnerable displaced people cope with expected harsh winter conditions. “Fighting in the east, and the resulting breakdown of basic...