HIGHLIGHTS
The renewal of the September ceasefire agreement remains in effect as of midJanuary, despite small-scale violations
Access constraints hinder humanitarian response activities in NGCAs, particularly in Donetsk Oblast
UN observes poor conditions and lengthy waiting periods for civilians crossing from NGCAs to governmentcontrolled areas
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On December 22, the Government of Ukraine (GoU) and self-proclaimed authorities in non-government controlled areas (NGCAs) of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts agreed to extend the September 1, 2015, ceasefire through the end of 2015. As of January 21, the ceasefire remained in effect, although the UN has reported multiple, small-scale violations by both GoU forces and separatists.
Access constraints continue to hamper humanitarian operations in NGCAs and the movement of civilians between NGCAs and government-controlled areas (GCAs). Although self-proclaimed authorities in Luhansk NGCAs recently accredited select UN agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to conduct humanitarian operations, Donetsk self-proclaimed authorities’ continued refusal to register UN agencies has precluded most UN operations in Donetsk. At the same time, administrative restrictions in GCAs hinder the flow of humanitarian assistance into NGCAs.
The UN reported an approximately 28 percent increase in the number of people crossing from NGCAs to GCAs between November and December. A UN interagency assessment team recently observed poor humanitarian conditions among people waiting at checkpoints to cross the contact line, a nearly 20-mile wide demilitarized buffer zone between GCAs and NGCAs in Donetsk and Luhansk. Despite GoU procedural improvements—including establishing an electronic pass registration system—to expedite processing, civilians must wait in long lines, sometimes overnight, with limited access to shelter, heated spaces, and other services. In addition, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that the recent increase in population movement near the contact line has led to an increase in the number of people killed or injured by unexploded ordnance (UXO).