HIGHLIGHTS
Fighting continues to damage critical water and power supply infrastructure, limiting access to safe drinking water for thousands of civilians
Restrictions on freedom of movement and access to basic services for civilians living in NGCAs continue
Humanitarian access and protection remain concerns in conflict-affected areas
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
In March, the Government of Ukraine (GoU) enacted a ban on all trade with businesses or other entities in non-government controlled areas (NGCAs) and blocked cargo from crossing the contact line after self-proclaimed authorities seized control of all Ukrainian companies based in NGCAs and declared the contact line as a state border, the UN reports.
State/PRM partner the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other relief agencies continue to advocate for the GoU to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) maintain full access to pensions and social benefits, particularly including individuals residing in their original homes in NGCAs. UNHCR is also calling for increased civilian protection and freedom of movement across the contact line.
Persistent fighting and shelling in eastern Ukraine continues to damage critical water and electrical facilities despite repeated calls on parties to the conflict to respect civilian infrastructure and de-militarize areas adjacent to the contact line to allow safe repairs. Nearly 1.2 million people risk losing a sustained supply of safe drinking water, according to the UN.
On March 29, GoU representatives and self-proclaimed authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts renewed an agreement to fully adhere to a holiday ceasefire established in late December 2016 during a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group, which comprises Government of the Russian Federation, GoU, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representatives. Meeting participants also agreed to complete the withdrawal of weapons by April 1. However, USG sources have reported increased armaments on both sides along the conflict line, with no withdrawal of weapons reported as of April 20.