Helping the communities with the preparation of documents for participation in government programs

02.02.22

The CF “Right to Protection” (R2P) provides free legal aid
not only to the IDPs but also to the communities.

Meeting with the representatives of the amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs or “hromadas” in Ukrainian)

oday, we held an online meeting with representatives of the Hirska Civil-Military Administration. The key theme of the meeting was a search for ways to improve the quality of medical services that are provided in the community. According to Yana Omelchenko, Acting Head of the Center for Primary Health Care in Hirske city, the existing medical equipment in the hospital has failed a long time ago.

For example, the X-ray machine has been operating since the 1970s. The building of the medical institution also needs to be repaired. In fact, the community is in dire need of funds.

Thus, the representatives of the Hirska CMA wished to join the discussion of the procedure for participation in the Program for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. The program provides subsidies from the state budget for the implementation of social projects in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the area up to 25 km from the contact line. The source of the subsidy is a loan from the European Investment Bank.

Why do hromadas apply for help?

Communities need to apply for participation in the short term and include all the total estimated costs of construction projects. The leadership of the Hirska CMA faced difficulties in preparing a package of documents, so they turned for help to the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P), which already has the experience of working with the communities on addressing such issues.

Within the ACCESS Project which is funded by the UNHCR, we have provided general consultation on the existing fundraising opportunities to support health care in the Hirska Civil-Military Administration. In addition, the lawyers of the R2P answered the questions of Inna Demidenko, the Deputy Head of Social Affairs on the peculiarities of drafting project estimates. For our part, we also insisted on the need for the community to appeal to the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development to extend the deadline for submitting program participation proposals,
– said Yanina Rebenkova, Community Development Specialist, CF “Right to Protection” (R2P).

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01.02.22

In December, residents of Zolote-1 (“Karbonit” mine, the Severodonetsk district of the Luhansk region of Ukraine) asked the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P) for help.

The social dental office was about to be shut down

And the problem is that this office is the only one in Zolote and the surrounding villages.

Concerned residents expressed their fears about the closure of the dental office at the Outpatient Clinic of General Practice and Family Medicine №1 in Zolote (11 Medychna Street). The dental office serves the residents of several settlements: Zolote-1, Zolote-2, Zolote-3, Zolote-4, Katerynivka, other villages, and urban-type settlements along the ‘contact line’.

*Specialists of the R2P consult the residents of Zolote*

According to them, the dentist Raisa Lukinichna has treated many generations of residents and has never stayed away from human misery. In addition, she is often approached by socially vulnerable groups: retirees, people with disabilities, single mothers, etc. Most of them have no physical or financial ability to get to another settlement to receive the services from a private dental clinic.

Negotiations with the Hirska CMA

Specialists of the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P) – Dmytro Shcherbakov, a social affairs consultant, and Nataliia Zygula, a community consultant, met with the population of Zolote-1, after which they asked Oleksiy Babchenko, Head of the Hirska Civil-Military Administration, to settle the issue and keep the dentist at the clinic.

*Dental office at the Outpatient Clinic of General Practice*
*and Family Medicine №1 in Zolote*

The most valuable reward – gratitude from the residents

The next day we were informed that the head of the Hirska CMA decided to keep the dental office. Raisa Lukinichna, the dentist, confirmed that the office, which had already been sealed, had reopened and she now continues to receive patients. Meanwhile the residents of Zolote, Zolote-1, -2, -3, -4, Katerynivka, Orikhove, Novotoshkivske have sent this Thank-You Letter to us:

«We express our respect and sincere gratitude to You for taking care of the problems of the people of our region who have found themselves in a difficult situation due to the hostilities. With Your help, together we have defended our right to a dental office. In such a difficult time, when more and more people need care, it is difficult to find a person who can solve other people’s problems as their own. And there are people to whom you can safely trust your tasks. Thank You for Your work, for Your efforts! Good luck and all the best!»

On behalf of the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P), we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Oleksiy Babchenko, the Chairman of the Hirska CMA, and the residents of Zolote for fruitful cooperation and their active citizenship.

Our specialists will continue to work on solving the problems of the communities to help improve access to health care for the residents of the villages and areas near the contact line.

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17.01.22

Today we present the December 2021 report on the conditions for crossing the Entry-Exit Checkpoints (EECPs) and International/Interstate Border Crossing Points (IBCPs). The report is based on the data collected during the monitoring of the situation at the EECPs in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (eastern Ukraine), as well as on the IBCPs “Milove” and “Hoptivka” on the border with Russia.

The purpose of the survey is to gather information on the difficulties and problems faced by the citizens, who are traveling across the Non-Government Controlled Areas (NGCA) and Government-Controlled Areas through EECPs on the contact line in eastern Ukraine, and IBCPs on the border with Russia.

More statistical data is available on the Online Dashboard.

CROSSING THE CONTACT LINE:

December 2021 EECP Survey Snapshot

In 2021, only two of seven Entry-Exit Checkpoints (EECPs) were open on both sides on the contact line: Novotroitske, in Donetsk Oblast, two days a week and Stanytsia Luhanska, in Luhansk Oblast, seven days a week. The number of crossings in 2021 was at a level considerably below the pre-COVID period. In December 2021, the number of crossings at Novotroitske EECP was 3,163, which is only 1,3 per cent of that in December 2019. The same can be deduced from the number of crossings at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP where the number was 55,010 in December 2021, which is 16,7 per cent of that in December 2019. COVID-19 preventative measures are cited by the de facto authorities as their reason to keep the other EECPs closed.

REPORT: "Survey on the conditions of crossing the EECPs and IBCPs in eastern Ukraine". December 2021

On 29 December, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine eliminated the requirement to install the Vdoma location-aware app and self-isolation for people crossing EECPs to GCA. This also means that isolation in a state-run observation facility is no longer obligatory as it was for people who could not install the Vdoma app. However, restrictions on crossing EECPs on the NGCA side are still being applied.

Infrastructure rehabilitation works began at Novotroitske EECP: a new module to support pedestrian crossings is already operational and another should arrive soon. Recently, infrastructure improvements at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP were completed, including the installation of new modules and delivery of required equipment, and baggage scanners. In addition, a new administrative service centre will be built at Marinka EECP.

Since November, people who want to cross the contact line have been unable to register at the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) website. Only already existing accounts are able to make submissions. This problematic situation for people crossing the contact line reinforces the urgency of the request R2P sent on 30 December 2021 to the CMU to amend order № 815 by revoking the requirement to obtain a permit to cross the contact line as excessively restrictive and hence unconstitutional.

GOING AROUND THE CONTACT LINE:

December 2021 IBCP Survey Snapshot

In December, most respondents at Milove and Hoptivka IBCPs were residents of Donetsk NGCA (48%) compared to the number of residents of Luhansk NGCA (24%). The remaining 28% were residents of Donetsk and Luhansk GCA and other Ukraine oblasts. According to SBGS statistics, the number of crossings at Milove IBCP in 2021 doubled compared to 2020, whilst at Hoptivka IBCP the situation remained the same. Thus, the number of crossings at Milove IBCP was 277,000 in 2020, against 548,964 in 2021. At Hoptivka IBCP, 960,880 crossings were recorded in 2020, against 925,705 in 2021.

Installation of the Vdoma app is no longer required for people crossing through EECPs, however, it still remains a requirement for those crossing through IBCPs. The lack of free COVID-19 tests at both IBCPs makes the process of crossing more complicated. Thus, in December, at Milove IBCP, 39 people were sent for observation. Most were older persons, who could neither install the Vdoma app nor afford COVID-19 tests.

On 21 December, UNHCR successfully finalized rehabilitation works at Milove IBCP to enhance the safety and dignity of crossing and reception conditions. The project was launched thanks to cooperation between UNHCR Ukraine and the Luhansk Region Civil Military Administration. The project will improve the reception conditions at Milove IBCP to enhance the safety and dignity of the people crossing.

The report is available in:

ENGLISH

and

UKRAINIAN

The report is based on the results of a survey, regularly conducted by the specialists of the Charitable Fund “Right to Protection” (R2P) since June 2017 at Entry-Exit Checkpoints in the Donetsk (Mayorske, Marinka, Hnutove and Novotroitske) and Luhansk (Stanytsia Luhanska) oblasts. Since August 2021 the survey is also conducted at the “Milove” IBCP (Luhansk oblast) and the “Hoptivka” IBCP (Kharkiv oblast).

The survey is part of the monitoring of violations of the rights of the population affected by the conflict and is conducted within the project “Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population” implemented by the R2P with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The purpose of a survey is to explore the reasons and concerns of those traveling from the NGCA to the GCA, as well as conditions and risks associated with crossing the ‘contact line’ and state border through EECPs and IBCPs. The information collected in the survey helps identify protection needs, gaps, and trends, and provides an evidentiary basis for the advocacy efforts.

UNHCR and R2P are grateful for the critical financial support provided by donors who have contributed to the Ukraine operation, as well as those who have contributed to UNHCR programs with broadly earmarked and unearmarked funds.

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14.01.22

Anatoliy Ivanovych, a 71 y.o. IDP retiree from Donetsk. Once, as he usually does, he headed to the Government-Controlled Area to collect his pension, but then fell victim to robbers, lost his memory, all documents, and money – so many trials on his fate. The driver who knew Anatoliy turned to us for help to save the man.

In November of 2021, Anatoliy Ivanovych left Horlivka (Non-Government Controlled Area, NGCA) and went to the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, to apply for a pension card in Oschadbank. Everything was successful and he could have already gone home, but the 71-year-old man was attacked, severely beaten. His passport, pension certificate, and money were all stolen.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where it was found that he had a memory impairment due to injuries. The patient was taken to a psychiatric hospital in Kramatorsk for treatment and rehabilitation after the attack.

The missing pensioner was found by a driver Oleksandr, who drove him to Bakhmut from the Non-Government Controlled Horlivka. It was clear that the man would not be able to return to his hometown without documents. Oleksandr could not just put up with it. To help Anatoly, he turned to the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P) to restore the stolen documents, renew the pension certificate, unblock the bank card and resume pension payments.

Lawyers of the R2P Office in the city of Slovyansk Valerii Mikhiei and Kateryna Honchar started working with the case of a pensioner.

Attack, robbery and subsequent loss of memory after unsuccessful attempt to collect an honestly earned pension. The Story of Anatoliy Ivanovych

In addition, thanks to the support of the UNHCR, Anatoliy Ivanovych was provided with individual financial aid to purchase necessary medicines, clothes, food, and for the costs associated with the preparation of documents. During the New Year holidays, the man was not left alone with his problems.

During the conversation with Oleksandr, we found out that the originals of certain documents that may become the primary evidence for issuing the passport are now in his place of permanent residence in Horlivka (ed. note – NGCA). These documents must be provided to the State Migration Service of Ukraine. In addition, the man has two children: a daughter and a son, but the son refused to come to identify the father. With the daughter, we have unfortunately lost contact. The only thing we know is that she lives in Crimea (ed. note – temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine),
tells Valerii Mikhiei, a lawyer at the R2P.

During the next visit, Oleksandr, the driver who notified us about the problem, together with a woman – Anatoliy’s acquaintance, carried over the documents that were in the Non-Government Controlled Area and gave these documents to our lawyers. The woman has also said that Anatoliy’s identity could be confirmed by two women, one of whom lives in Cherkasy and the other in Svitlovodsk.

Thanks to the close cooperation of the lawyers of the Slovyansk office of the CF” Right to Protection” (R2P) with the State Migration Service in the Donetsk Region (SMS) and the Department of the Migration Service in the city of Slovyansk, it was possible to do a remote identification of Anatoliy Ivanovych.

Побиття, пограбування та подальша втрата пам’яті через бажання отримати зароблену за життя пенсію. Історія Анатолія Івановича Attack, robbery and subsequent loss of memory after unsuccessful attempt to collect an honestly earned pension. The Story of Anatoliy Ivanovych

After that, the lawyers of the Fund formed a complete package of documents and sent it to the SMS for further preparation of the passport of a citizen of Ukraine.

Now we are so glad to announce that yesterday Anatoliy Ivanovych received the long-awaited document and started the procedure of issuing a passport of a citizen of Ukraine to travel abroad! We wish him strong health and endurance! And let all obstacles and misfortunes remain in the past.

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13.01.22

For a long time, the Charitable Fund ”Right to Protection” (R2P) has been supporting communities near the contact line. Yesterday our colleagues Yevhen Maksymenko, the lawyer, and Ketevan Kazanovska, the expert on the social and political issues, took part in a meeting of the working group to determine the social needs of the population of Svitlodars’k city amalgamated territorial community (ATC).

Tetyana Yerokhina, the Chairman of the working group and the Deputy Head of Svitlodars’k City Civil-Military Administration (CMA), thanked the R2P for developing the Social Passport of Svitlodars’k ATC and for the legal aid during the reorganization of the municipal institution (Bakhmut District Territorial Center for Social Services) in the Center for Social Services of Svitlodars’k CMA.

Соціальні послуги на лінії розмежування. Як Фонд допомагає визначати соціальні потреби населення громад

Also during the meeting there was a discussion on:

the social services legal framework in the context of the amalgamated territorial communities;
the base principles of the working group and the on the work plan for 2022;
the logic of interaction of the structural departments of the Svitlodars’k CMA with the social service entities, NGOs, and CSOs in the process of determining the social needs of the population.

The legal aid is provided within the framework of the project ”Support of the amalgamated territorial communities along the contact line during the reorganization of social and administrative services under the decentralization reform”, which is implemented in the Donetsk and the Luhansk regions by the CF ”Right to Protection” (R2P) with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

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22.12.21

Today we present the report ‘Crossing the contact line’ for November 2021, prepared by the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P). The report is based on data collected during the monitoring of the situation at the EECPs in eastern Ukraine, as well as on the IBCPs “Milove” and “Hoptivka” on the border with Russia.

More statistical data is available on the Online Dashboard.

EECP Observations

On 5 November, for several hours no one could cross the contact line in Luhansk oblast due to shelling near the Stanytsa Luhanska checkpoint, only one of two EECPs still open on both the GCA and the NGCA sides of the line. Then on 24 November the Marinka checkpoint was also shelled. Only exceptional crossings are authorized by NGCA side at Marinka EECP, with 14 crossings reported in November (SBGS statistics).

Crossing the Contact Line: November 2021 EECP & IBCP Survey Snapshot

Last month for the first time, travellers crossing Stanytsa Luhanska showed a higher percentage of respondents reporting concerns than those crossing Novotroitske EECP in Donetsk oblast. The proportion in Stanytsa Luhanska jumped from one eighth in September to one quarter in October and November. Raised levels of concern in Luhansk oblast appear to correlate with the temporary anti-Covid restrictions imposed by the Luhansk NGCA from 9 October to 11 November and will probably fall back to September levels from December.

Stanytsa Luhanska EECP is usually open seven days a week. By contrast movement in Donetsk Oblast is more restricted. Novotroitske EECP is only open two days per week, and residents must seek permisson from Donetsk NGCA two weeks in advance, giving a humanitarian justification for their request.

In November, 737 persons, 55 per centof those who entered the GCA through Novotroitske EECP, were tested for COVID-19 as were 2,312 persons, 14 per centof those who entered GCAvia Stanytsa Luhanska EECP. They were tested because they could not install the Vdoma location-aware app on their phones, an acute problem for people crossing the contact line to GCA, especially people aged 60+ and people with serious illnesses.

‘Crossing the contact line’, October, 2021 (REPORT) ‘Crossing the contact line’, October, 2021 (REPORT) Перетин лінії розмежування через КПВВ, жовтень–2021 (ЗВІТ)

IBCP Observations

To reach the GCA, many NGCA residents prefer to make arduous journeys to reach international border crossing points than cross the contact line. They enter or exit Russia through Milove IBCP in Luhansk oblast or Hoptivka IBCP in Kharkiv oblast, because crossing the contact line is now possible only through two EECPs, Novotroitske in Donetsk oblast and Stanytsa Luhanska in Luhansk oblast, both with varying restrictions.

The survey indicates that in November, more residents of Donetsk NGCA crossed both Hoptivka and Milove IBCPs than Luhansk NGCA residents did. Although only a sample was surveyed, tentative inferences can be drawn. Larger numbers from Donetsk NGCA correlate with the tighter restrictions for crossing the Novotroitske EECP in Donetsk oblast.

The travel distances are sometimes enormous. Some respondents said that to travel between the GCA and the NGCA via an IBCP, they had to travel 1,300 km, about same the distance as from Donetsk to Lviv.

Due to the lack of transport at Hoptivka IBCP, between the Russian and Ukranian border gates, people have to walk 1.2 km on foot. This is especially challenging for the elderly, the sick, and those with heavy luggage.

Nearly all respondents (95%) reported that a typical journey costs from 1,000 to 2,000 UAH (34-68 USD) one way. Others said they spent 3,000 and even up to 4,000 UAH (109-143 USD) for their journey.

Hoptivka IBCP still lacks shelters and places for people to sit while waiting for buses for up to three hours.

UNHCR continued the installation of the shelters and prefabricated modules at Milove IBCP in November.

The report is available in:

English

Ukrainian

The report is based on the results of a survey, regularly conducted by the specialists of the Charitable Fund “Right to Protection” (R2P) at the five EECPs in the Government-Controlled Areas (GCA) and administered regularly since June 2017. The survey is a part of the monitoring of violations of the rights of a conflict-affected population within the framework of the project “Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population” implemented by the R2P with the support of UNHCR.

The purpose of a survey is to explore the reasons and concerns of those traveling from the NGCA to the GCA, as well as conditions and risks associated with crossing the ‘contact line’ through EECPs. The information collected in the survey helps identify protection needs, gaps, and trends, and provides an evidentiary basis for the advocacy efforts.

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17.12.21

We bring to your attention the report on the implementation of the Programme “Legal Support for IDPs and Local Self-Government Bodies”, prepared within the R2P Project “Promotion of Social Infrastructure Development, USIF VI”.

Seven years have passed since the beginning of the occupation of Crimea and the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. However, the forced movement of the population of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine from the dangerous zone of the armed conflict still continues.

The ability of IDPs to integrate into the host community depends significantly not only on national policy but also on local programmes, as it is the host party that, through the efforts of local self-government bodies, has the opportunity to create favourable conditions under which IDPs can reveal their potential and truly become a part of the community.

An important place among such special programmes is occupied by housing programmes for IDPs, as they are aimed at solving one of the most pressing issues for displaced people.

Within the Programme, Charitable Fund “Right to Protection” (R2P) provided advisory support to local authorities in selected communities during the construction (reconstruction) of housing facilities for IDPs. R2P also conducted outreach and educational work among IDP candidates for living in such housing by explaining to them the provisions of current legislation of Ukraine on providing IDPs with temporary housing and providing assistance in preparing the necessary documents

Report is available in .pdf format in:

ENGLISH

UKRAINIAN

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17.12.21

Although the conflict in Donbas is still ongoing, the decentralization reform is being implemented in Government-Controlled Areas. To help local authorities build a system of social services, R2P is implementing the project “Ensuring access to the social services in amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs) along the contact line.”

On December 3, 2021, in Sviatohirsk, within the framework of the project, two-day training for eastern Ukrainian communities was held. Representatives of five communities located on the contact line learned to develop local social protection programs and apply for the Projects Contest from the State Fund for Regional Development. Those communities are Marinka City Civil-Military Administration (CMA), Hirska ATC, Nyzhnyoteplivska Village ATC, Sartana ATC, and Svitlodar City CMA.

Розвиток громад – розвиток України. Як Фонд допомагає ОТГ та ВЦА вздовж лінії розмежування будувати систему надання соціальних послуг

“This year, we started supporting communities in the process of creating social institutions. Previously, they (communities – ed. note) did not have such experience before. Of course, we understand that there are not enough funds in the local communities to meet all their needs next year,”
– said Maria Alekseyenko, head of the department for work with the population affected by the armed conflict at CF “Right to Protection” (R2P).

“Today’s training is a practical lesson on preparing community development projects. We give people a clear understanding of how to write development projects, programs, including social ones. How to describe the problem, argue and look for ways to solve particular problems and how to find additional sources of funding”,
– adds Oleg Lyubimov, Decentralization Coordinator at R2P.

For two days our specialists discussed:

the stages of development and implementation of the target programs;
how subventions from the state budget are distributed and used;
algorithm of actions for receiving the state funding;
the state policy of regional development;
details on the project;
general principles of the project budget, etc.

“We showed community representatives the state financial support possibilities they are eligible for, as well as highlighted clear algorithms of action: what exactly the community needs to do to receive this funding,”
– said Ihor Dorosh, Finance Expert at the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P).

Representatives of communities at the training also prepared their own projects and shared their thoughts and impressions with us.

“Information at the training is provided in a logical order, so we are able to keep up and practically implement it. We see what goal we can set for ourselves and what tools we can use to achieve it,”
– said Tetyana Yerokhina, Deputy Head of the Svitlodar City CMA.

“Thanks to the R2P, we have already established a department of social protection – a Center for the provision of social services in the community. These training sessions are very necessary for us because now there are no specialists who fully advise on how to properly apply to the SFRD. The coaches teach and help us in a very innovative way,”
– said Olena Stakhova, Nyzhnyoteplivska ATC.

“We live right on the contact line. We have been waiting for a long time for our community to be created. We came to the training with specialists who have their own ideas, but they do not have the skills, knowledge, and tools to implement it,”
– Yuliia Onyshchenko, Deputy Head of the Sartana ATC.

We thank all the participants for such kind words!

In the next year, we wish you to implement all the submitted projects!

The project “Ensuring access to the social services in amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs) along the contact line” is implemented by the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P) with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

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30.11.21

Today we present the report ‘Crossing the contact line’ for October 2021, prepared by the CF “Right to Protection” (R2P). The report is based on data collected during the monitoring of the situation at the EECPs in eastern Ukraine, as well as on the IBCPs “Milove” and “Hoptivka” on the border with Russia.

More statistical data is available on the Online Dashboard.

During October, crossing the contact line remained possible only through two of the seven EECPs: Novotroitskein Donetska Oblast and Stanytsia Luhanskain Luhanska Oblast. The numbers of people crossing the EECPs are still being affected by COVID-19. The restrictions on the other five EECPs are imposed by de facto authorities as a measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. The number of crossings in October fell by half that of the previous month. According to State Border Guard Service (SBGS) statistics, 28,205 people crossed the contact line in October, compared with 70,000 in September.

‘Crossing the contact line’, October, 2021 (REPORT) Перетин лінії розмежування через КПВВ, жовтень–2021 (ЗВІТ)

On 9 October, the de facto authorities in the Luhansk NGCA temporarily imposed further restrictions on people crossing Stanytsia Luhanska EECP^*,in response to a rise in COVID-19 cases. For one month, they only allowed people to cross the contact line who were registered as permanent residents in their place of destination (GCA residents could return to the GCA and NGCA residents to the NGCA). All others needed permission from the de facto authorities for one or more of the following reasons:

treatment and rehabilitation;

education;
caring for a relative;
burial of a relative.

These restrictions, which led to a significant reduction in the number of people crossing, were lifted on 11 November.

In October, 4,375 vulnerable elderly persons were transported across the Stanytsia Luhanska EECP by an electric vehicle run by the NGO Proliska in cooperation with UNHCR.

According to the data obtained from the laboratories located at the EECPs, 1,115 persons, 78 per centof those who entered GCA via Novotroitske EECP, took antigen tests for COVID-19 during October, as did 2,226 persons, 22 per centof those who entered GCAvia Stanytsia Luhanska EECP. Meanwhile, in Donetska Oblast, 24 people were referred to the observation facility because they had no compatible smartphone to install the Vdoma app. There were still no state-run observation facilities in Luhanska Oblast.

Visiting relatives remains NGCA residents’ top reason given for crossing the EECPs since October 2020. Seeking access to banking facilities and administrative/social services (including pension funds) are the other most commonly cited reasons for crossing from the NGCA to GCA areas, as before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The requirement to download the Vdoma app continues to be a problem for half those who were asked, especially people aged 60+ (18 per cent of all respondents).

‘Crossing the contact line’, August, 2021 (REPORT) Перетин лінії розмежування через КПВВ, серпень–2021 (ЗВІТ)

IBCP Observations

Crossings through the international border crossing point (IBCP) at Milove in Luhanska Oblast have risen by about 4,000 per month since August. R2P monitors in October noticed more cars with Luhansk number plates, which may indicate that some NGCA residents were there to get round the temporary restrictions at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP after 9 October. R2P monitors also observe very few NGCA residents being fined. NB: Numbers of those crossing the IBCP include all Ukrainians, including those unconnected to the NGCA.

Reconstruction work (new asphalt and street lights) continued at Milove IBCP. In addition, UNHCR installed shelters and prefabricated modules.

Lack of shelters, severe weather conditions and infrequent bus services at Hoptivka IBCP make the trip for pedestrians there arduous. Yet, Hoptivka has more crossings than Milove because it is near to Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city.

278 people were sent to the observation facility in October at Milove, compared with 98 people in September.

The report is available in:

English

Ukrainian

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