UN calls for delivery of humanitarian aid to occupied Donbas

Her statement was published by the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine.

Ms. Lubrani recalled that since the almost complete closure of all crossing points in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the number of people able to cross the contact line in Donbas has decreased by 97%.

"After 12 months of stringent movement restrictions, it is clear that the conflict-affected people are reaching a breaking point. They desperately need humanitarian assistance to hold on until life can return to some form of normality," Ms. Lubrani said.

She noted that the humanitarian community in Ukraine continues its efforts to ensure that all people in need, wherever they reside, receive appropriate support and in a timely manner.

"All relevant actors must facilitate the transit and delivery of humanitarian relief. On-going restrictions on the ability of humanitarian actors to assist people in areas beyond Government control prevent the people in need from getting the help they need and deserve," she stressed.

Ms. Lubrani expressed hope that all parties to the conflict will abide by the commitment to avoid politicization of humanitarian aid and ensure that all urgently needed critical assistance that is ready to be delivered, including life-saving health supplies, is permitted to reach those in need in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

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