Ukraine: Increasing hostilities displace civilians, limit humanitarian access

Donetsk, Kherson and Sumy regions sustained the most damage, with several civilians reportedly killed, and many displaced, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at a regular news briefing on Thursday.

“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that food insecurity remains a concern in front-line and border regions,” he added.

According to a recent assessment by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the conflict has devastated livelihoods and quadrupled poverty levels, leaving the most vulnerable – particularly displaced people – at greatest risk.

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But with hostilities becoming increasingly deadly, humanitarian access remains limited. Since the start of the year, there has been a 50 per cent increase in civilian deaths when compared to the same period last year.

Authorities continue to urge the 10,000 people who remain in the front-line region to evacuate for their own safety.

“For those who stayed or those who came back, there are no jobs, no income and no opportunity,” Ms. McCain said.

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