SITUATION OVERVIEW
The frequency and intensity of the conflict intensified in hotspots along the contact line, increasing humanitarian suffering of civilians. In several locations parties to the conflict have moved positions closer to one another, rendering the situation increasingly volatile. Since the beginning of the conflict, OHCHR recorded 31,000 casualties (including 9,400 fatalities, more than 2,000 of which civilians).
Clashes occur increasingly in the vicinity of and at crossing points, threatening the security of thousands of people waiting to cross every day (over 27.000 crossings a day in June). Protection and safety and security concerns for people travelling from and to NGCA of Donetsk province is likely to be further affected by the planned relocation of the Exit-Entry Checkpoints (EECPs) of Zaitseve and Novotroitske to Maiorsk and Berezove, respectively. At the new locations, closer to the ‘contact line’, basic infrastructure, including sanitary and medical facilities, shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, heating points is insufficient or unavailable, and in most cases cannot be set up because of lack of space or/and insecurity.
Any further escalation of the conflict could trigger suspension of operation at checkpoints. This would further affect freedom of movement of people living in areas non-government-controlled areas (NGCA) and their access to basic services, including healthcare, markets, and social payments. People spend long hours in queues at the checkpoints in unduly degrading conditions. An urgent solution needs to be found in close collaboration with the authorities.
By 5 July, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for 2016 is only 19 per cent funded. While some donations are yet to be recorded, strategic decision making, prioritization and advocacy is negatively affected by the lack of funding.