Sharp rise in Ukrainian displacement, with more than 50,000 internally displaced
Increases are also being seen in the numbers of Ukrainians in Russia and other countries, although so far only a relatively small number have applied for refugee status.
GENEVA, June 27 (UNHCR) - The UN refugee agency said on Friday that forced displacement is rising in Ukraine with an estimated 54,400 people internally displaced - 12,000 from Crimea and the rest from the Eastern region. Over the past week, the number of internally displaced increased by more than 16,400.
"Increases are also being seen in the numbers of Ukrainians in Russia and other countries, although so far only a relatively small number have applied for refugee status," UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming told journalists in Geneva. "Since the start of the year around 110,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Russia, and 750 have requested asylum in Poland, Belarus, Czech Republic and Romania," she added.
Fleming said that of those in Russia only 9,600 have requested asylum. "Most people are seeking other forms of legal stay, often we are told because of concerns about complications or reprisals in case of return to Ukraine," she said.
Arrivals of the past few days are mainly clustered in Rostov-On-Don (12,900 people, including 5,000 children) and Bryansk (6,500 people). In Rostov, people are being accommodated in public buildings and some tented camps. In Bryansk the majority are staying with relatives and friends. UNHCR has also seen unconfirmed reports of other recent arrivals from the east of Ukraine to Crimea.
"The rise in numbers of the past week coincides with a recent deterioration of the situation in eastern Ukraine. Displaced people cite worsening law and order, fear of abductions, human rights violations and the disruption of state services," Fleming said.
UNHCR has increased its presence and deployed missions to monitor displacement from the east. "Currently we are unable to verify all information on displacement and are relying on local and central authorities, partners and civil society organizations. Insecurity in some areas of Ukraine is hampering access to many areas where displaced people are located," the UNHCR spokesperson noted.
In Ukraine, the main challenges currently faced by displaced people are access to social services, long-term shelter and employment, and difficulties transferring residence registration. Most people are provided with temporary shelter and assistance from local authorities, NGOs and with donations of private citizens.
UNHCR has begun to distribute humanitarian assistance to displaced people in the east, and has delivered assistance in support of efforts by the local authorities to the town of Sviatohorsk, where the largest concentration of internally displaced people is found. UNHCR is also launching a self-reliance programme for vulnerable internally displaced people in western and central Ukraine.
Related news and stories
Ukraine's refugees find long-term support in Europe's host countries
Women-run businesses in Afghanistan dealt a blow by deepening restrictions
After conflict, the displaced of Central African Republic dream of going home
Across borders, South Sudan's displaced call for peace
Six faces of the forcibly displaced in Ukraine
UNHCR concerned by conflict's toll on hundreds of thousands displaced in eastern DR Congo
Your search for « Ukraine » matched 2166 results. Only the first 1,000 results are displayed. Displaying page 12 of 112 pages.
-
For many along Ukraine's division line, cold is also an enemy
28 Nov 2016 ... NEVELSKE, Ukraine – This is a shattered town just a few hundred metres from the front line. Once ... Ukraine: Fighting the cold Many towns nearby are portraits of desolation – with houses ...... -
Ukraine: Displaced from home
4 Mar 2015 ... In the southern region of Ukraine, near the city of Mariupol, a number of small villages found themselves under attack. Homes were destroyed and for some elderly people staying in their homes was no ...... -
Ukrainian pensioners struggle to cross the conflict line
21 Mar 2018 ... 0 Since armed conflict divided eastern Ukraine back in 2014, almost 1.3 million pensioners have found themselves caught in the middle, living in territory now outside of government control but ...... -
Ukraine: Displaced at Home
17 Sep 2014 ... In Eastern Ukraine, officially hundreds of thousands have left their homes, including Tamara who found herself in exile in her own town.... -
Ukraine: Baby Born In Conflict
22 Sep 2014 ... Sasha was born just as the fighting started in Ukraine. He and his mother struggled to survive.... -
Ukraine: Displacement Trauma
18 Sep 2014 ... Across Eastern Ukraine, thousands face internal exile, lost homes and jobs and a very uncertain future.... -
Ukraine: Escape to Kyiv
4 Mar 2015 ... Fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine has brought destruction and displacement to the towns of Debaltseve, Avdiivka and Svitlodar. Liubov, pictured, recalls the terror experienced by her family.... -
Ukraine: Destruction in Donetsk
13 Mar 2015 ... Alexander Kovalenko is one of the last people still living on his street in Donetsk, where the conflict in eastern Ukraine has left a trail of destruction. His home was struck by six shells and the ...... -
Ukraine: Underground Siege
10 Mar 2015 ... The shelling in Ukraine has driven 1,000 Donetsk residents underground. Afraid to venture outside, they still maintain a spirit of generosity....