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During a recent briefing in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, amidst ongoing air raids and explosions, Mr. Schmale emphasized the long-lasting impact of the conflict that commenced in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea. He pointed out that for many young people in Ukraine, particularly those under 11 years old, peace is a concept they have never experienced.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a significant escalation in civilian casualties, with a 30 percent rise in 2024 compared to the previous year. This alarming trend reflects a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, particularly in frontline regions, where it’s estimated that 36 percent of the Ukrainian population, approximately 12.7 million individuals, is currently reliant on humanitarian aid.
Mr. Schmale elaborated on the situation, noting the intense military actions by Russian forces along the front lines and the subsequent evacuations of civilians. He highlighted the UN’s efforts to provide essential supplies, including cash assistance, to those being displaced and moving through transit centers and other temporary shelters.
In a separate statement from Zaporizhzhia, Toby Fricker of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, over 2,520 children have either lost their lives or sustained injuries. Fricker cautioned that the actual figures may be significantly higher, noting a stark increase of over 50 percent in child casualties in 2024 compared to 2023. He stressed that no location offers safety, as attacks have routinely targeted schools, maternity wards, and children’s hospitals.
Behind Battle Lines
Highlighting the critical roles of women in the ongoing conflict, Sofia Calltorp, Director of UN Women in Geneva, shared that the narrative of the war extends beyond the front lines, focusing on the women and girls disproportionately affected by these struggles. Calltorp reported that 800 women lost their lives and over 3,700 sustained injuries in 2024 alone, with women comprising a significant majority of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons. She stated that approximately 6.7 million women are in dire need of humanitarian aid.
Funding Crisis
Addressing the ramifications of a potential freeze in U.S. funding on humanitarian efforts, Mr. Schmale expressed optimism that U.S. contributions would ultimately resume. He pointed out that last year, U.S. funding constituted about 30 percent of the humanitarian budget and 10 percent for development initiatives. He expressed concern regarding the funding freeze and confirmed that while some partners may have received exemptions, no financial support has yet resulted from these exceptions.
The consequences of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other public facilities have been severe, with reports indicating that 780 healthcare centers and over 1,600 schools have been damaged or destroyed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Jarno Harbicht, WHO’s Country Representative for Ukraine, remarked on a recent assault that severely affected a health clinic serving 40,000 children and a kindergarten catering to 250 young children, emphasizing the impact on children even if they physically survive such attacks.
Haunted by Drones
The psychological toll inflicted by the ongoing conflict is profound. Dr. Harbicht painted a vivid picture of the mental strain on families, particularly mothers in affected regions, who face daily interruptions from air raid sirens and the omnipresent threat of drone attacks. He described the relentless challenge of safeguarding children from both physical danger and the pervasive anxiety stemming from the conflict.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) has documented over 12,654 civilian casualties since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, with nearly 30,000 individuals injured. A staggering 84 percent of these casualties occurred in territories controlled by the Ukrainian government, while 16 percent were in areas under Russian control. Danielle Bell, Chief of HRMMU, remarked on the escalating human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law over the past three years, emphasizing the need for human rights considerations to be central in any discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Rising Toll
The HRMMU reiterated the humanitarian crisis, with confirmed civilian deaths exceeding 12,654 and injuries approaching 30,000 since the escalation began. A significant majority of these casualties have occurred in areas supervised by the Ukrainian government. Bell underscored that the protracted conflict has led to escalating violations of human rights and international laws, asserting that the growing civilian toll necessitates a focus on the rights and safety of all affected as peace negotiations move forward.
Source
news.un.org