UN: almost 600 000 Ukrainians in conflict zone in Eastern Ukraine do not receive pensions and social assistance
About 586,000 Ukrainian citizens who live in the conflict zone haven’t received pensions and social benefits since the beginning of the previous year, as they haven’t been registered by the government, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This includes 50,000 people with disabilities who are especially vulnerable as they are facing additional difficulties and frequent discrimination, reports the UNHCR.
"In eastern Ukraine, in the conflict zone, the cease-fire regime is often violated. The 800,000 people who live along the contact line in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions are fearful for their lives," they report.
The UN notes that just over one and a half million internally displaced people in Ukraine continue to suffer hardships. Many of them can’t find jobs and normal housing.
The UN also notes restrictions on the civilians’ movement, especially those that cross the contact line. Just during June, over one million people passed through checkpoints along the line.
"People have to stand in long lineups at checkpoints without essential services. They have no drinking water, no roof over their heads in case of bad weather, and there is no access to medical care," says the Office representative, Andrei Mahesich.
In addition, about 700 schools in the conflict zone are damaged. This year, 89 schools were rebuilt with the UNHCR support. The ongoing destruction has also affected housing. About 10,000 homes are in urgent need of repair. Moreover, between 40 and 60 buildings close to the contact line are damaged every week.