UNHCR Concerned About Rising Humanitarian Needs in Kharkiv, Ukraine

On May 19, an air attack targeted a recreation area in the village of Cherkaska Lozova, Kharkiv region, resulting in six deaths and 27 injuries.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the northeastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine. This comes in the wake of a new ground offensive by Russian Federation Armed Forces, coupled with relentless aerial attacks that have exacerbated the already dire situation since Russia's full-scale invasion over two years ago.

Recent Attacks and Evacuations

On May 19, an air attack targeted a recreation area in the village of Cherkaska Lozova, Kharkiv region, resulting in six deaths and 27 injuries. In the past week alone, more than 10,300 people have been evacuated from border areas in Kharkiv region. These evacuees, many of whom are elderly or have disabilities, were forced to leave with minimal belongings and are experiencing acute stress.

Humanitarian Response

To support the displaced individuals, a transit center has been established in Kharkiv city. This center, set up by local authorities and humanitarian organizations including UNHCR and its national NGO partners Proliska and Right to Protection, provides various forms of assistance such as:

Basic Relief Items: Essential goods to meet immediate needs.

Psychosocial and Legal Aid: Support for mental health and legal guidance.

Cash Assistance: Financial support to cover basic expenses.

Accommodation Advice: Information on housing options.

Many evacuees wish to stay close to Kharkiv, with family or in rental accommodations and collective sites, hoping to return home when conditions improve. UNHCR, in coordination with other humanitarian partners, is exploring additional temporary accommodation options.

Broader Displacement Trends

Besides Kharkiv, people are fleeing frontline communities in Donetsk, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, moving towards central and western Ukraine. Authorities in these regions are seeking support to manage and assist the influx of internally displaced people.

Challenges in Kharkiv

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, already hosts approximately 200,000 internally displaced people. The ongoing ground offensive and aerial attacks threaten to worsen conditions, potentially forcing more residents to seek safety elsewhere. Recent events include a prolonged 16-hour air raid alert and attacks on energy infrastructure, critically affecting energy supply, household needs, production, and the economy.

Call for Support

UNHCR emphasizes the need for sustained and flexible donor funding to continue its humanitarian and recovery programs. This includes preparing for the upcoming winter, as the damage to energy facilities will likely increase the need for assistance. As of the end of April, only 16% of the required $598.9 million for UNHCR’s response in Ukraine has been funded.

The UNHCR urges the international community to provide robust support to address the growing humanitarian needs in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region, to ensure the effective delivery of aid and the protection of vulnerable populations amidst ongoing conflict and displacement.