Displaced Ukrainians Find Refuge

August 27, 2015

The 18 month, Russian-backed rebellion of eastern Ukraine has displaced more than 1.4 million people, cost nearly 7,000 lives, and brought the economy of eastern Ukraine the economic and industrial heartland of the country to a standstill. Two million civilians remain in homes devastated by shelling on the line of contact, what is considered the frozen frontline of the conflict. Artillery shelling and mortar attacks occur daily along this conflict line, killing soldiers and civilians, destroying houses and villages, and displacing thousands more from their homes. Beyond this line of contact in the Non-Government Controlled Areas (NGCA), an additional two million civilians are in need of humanitarian assistance. Amidst the destruction, the Ukrainian government, the UN, regional authorities, civil society organizations, and local volunteers are providing much-needed services to the internally displaced.

A man assesses the damage to his home by shelling from rebel forces in the NGCA. Most IDPs have found immediate housing with friends or relatives, but there are increasing needs for longer-term housing solutions for the displaced. Photo: Patrick Breslin

The police station in Mariupol was destroyed by shelling from the rebels when they attempted to take over the city in June. Photo: UNHCR

Displaced women from Donetsk volunteer to help other displaced people at a collective center. Civil society organizations are providing many of the essential services to the internally displaced, including shelter. Photo: Patrick Breslin

A displaced woman in Mariupol returned to her house on the line of contact to look at the damage done when it was shelled. She fled her home during the shelling, and came back to retrieve some possessions. Photo: UNHCR

This young woman in Sveredovonesk moved from the NGCA so that she could give birth where her child would be registered by legitimate Ukrainian authorities. Photo: Patrick Breslin

A welcome post operated by volunteers at the Kharkiv train station, where most displaced people arrive the NGCAs. Volunteer organizations have helped local governments from being overwhelmed by the influx of IDPs. Photo: Patrick Breslin

This little girl was home when her house was shelled a month ago and has not smiled since. Ensuring all of the displaced children enroll in schools, with the books and supplies they need, will be a major challenge. Photo: Patrick Breslin

On the line of contact, the return to homes is made difficult by the presence of mines and unexploded ordinances which the Ukrainian army is marking to protect civilians. Photo: UNHCR

The Ukrainian government is providing compensation to rebuild homes. Here in Volnovakha, on the line of contact, displaced people are beginning to return and rebuild. Photo: UNHCR