IOM Regional Ukraine Response – Situation Report #18 / 12 May 2022:

8.02 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine; 5.98 million refugees have fled Ukraine; 245,029 third country nationals have arrived in Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova; 437,000 reached by IOM’s response in Ukraine since 24 February.

Situation Overview

Since the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, major attacks have been reported across the country, including in the capital, Kyiv, resulting in widescale destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and displacement.

On 6 May, the wreckage of a civilian convoy trying to escape fighting near Kharkiv was found. Several people were found dead while others remain missing. On 7 May, Russian Federation forces dropped a bomb on a school in the village of Bilohorivka (Luhansk region) where 90 people were taking shelter; 27 persons were rescued, two persons were confirmed dead, and over 60 were reported missing. On 9 May, the Russian Federation fired four Onyx cruise missiles at the Odesa region, while in the early hours of 11 May, two separate shelling attacks took place Luhansk region, damaging the regional boarding school for children with special needs in Gorsky (children and staff were evacuated in advance).

To address the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine, particularly allegations of aggression conducted in and/or near schools, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance and torture, the Human Rights Council will hold a special session on 12 May. OHCHR is reporting that between 24 February and 10 May, there have been 7,256 civilian casualties, including 3,496 people killed, though these figures are likely to be considerably higher (source: OCHA). Although civilians in conflict-affected areas remain in dire need of basic goods and social services, ongoing fighting continues to deter evacuations.

IOM is particularly concerned about ongoing internal and cross -border displacement resulting from the war and continues to monitor the situation. On 9 May, IOM released the fourth round of its Ukraine Internal Displacement Report, General Population Survey, which documented changes in displacement and mobility flows from 29 April to 3 May. Inside the country, over 8.02 million people have been displaced (63 per cent women, 37 per cent men) — an increase of 322,000 (4 per cent) compared to figures from 17 April, the previous round of the survey (IOM Displacement Report, Round IV). In addition, there is a noted increase of displaced persons originally from the east of Ukraine, now totalling 49 per cent of IDPs (an increase from 45 per cent recorded during the third round of the survey). Overall, it is estimated that a total of 13,686,000 persons have been displaced within Ukraine and across the border to neighbouring countries. As the crisis evolves, displacement and mobility patterns continue to change, requiring scaled up and integrated interventions that address both emerging and existing needs.

IOM Response

SHELTER AND NON-FOOD ITEMS

In Ukraine, during the reporting period, IOM distributed 200 external fixators totalling USD 20,000 to hospitals in Mykolaiv and Chernihiv to treat bone fractures. Since the start of the crisis, over 316,000 non-food items have reached or are set to be distributed to beneficiaries in 20 different oblasts. Alongside NFI distributions, the mission is scaling up shelter assistance. Two mobile shelter teams have been deployed in Uzhhorod, (Zakarpattia region) and are conducting light and small-scale repairs to collective centres. This approach will be replicated in Vinnytsia, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

CASH BASED INTERVENTIONS

In Ukraine, IOM continues to provide support to conflict- affected persons to meet their immediate basic needs through multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA). As of 10 May, the mission has assisted 64,000 displaced persons and further registration is underway, in coordination with local authorities.

In Moldova, IOM continues distributing vouchers to individuals affected by the war in Ukraine. To date, the mission has distributed 3,154 vouchers to refugees and third-country nationals across thirteen districts in Moldova. The value of each voucher is MDL 1,000 and can be redeemed at Linella and Fidesco supermarkets throughout the country.

HEALTH

In Ukraine, IOM continues to expand its support for conflict- affected persons. Four mobile medical clinics are providing primary health care services to internally displaced persons and host communities in Lviv oblast. From 4-10 May, the mission provided 163 medical consultations and 103 psychological consultations in Zhovkva, Truskavets, Solonka, Zhuravno, Khoriv, Busk, Bily Kamin, Horodok. During the reporting period, IOM also provided initial consultations and psychological first aid to 127 persons short to medium-term counselling sessions and psychotherapy to 67 persons, and psychiatrist consultations with eight women.

In Poland, three Psychosocial Mobile Teams working in six long term stay centres in Warsaw have been providing direct assistance. During the reporting period, IOM provided psychological first aid (PFA) sessions for 28 adults and 10 children, individual psychosocial counselling to 37 adults and 15 children, and group sessions to 31 adults and nine children. Meanwhile, the mission provided social counselling to 27 adults and community engagement activities for 43 adults and 49 children (e.g., artistic activities, sports). The mission is steadily expanding its support to conflict-affected people and continues to receive numerous requests for support.

DISPLACEMENT TRACKING

In Moldova, IOM published its third fact sheet summarizing the results of displacement surveys by IOM, in partnership with UN Women, to assess the needs and vulnerabilities of refugees and TCNs fleeing Ukraine. This report is based on 9,978 interviews conducted between 9 March and 22 April, 9,045 of which took place at four Moldovan border crossing points – Otaci and Palanca (at entry) and Leuseni and Giurgiulesti (at exit), as well as in three transit locations (MoldExpo, the Ukrainian Consulate, and a bus station in Chisinau). Approximately 933 interviews were conducted in temporary placement centres and private accommodations, using an extended questionnaire based on IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix tool. Of the persons interviewed, 80.2 per cent were women and 19.8 per cent were men.

The survey recorded significant protection needs among both refugees and third country nationals: eight in ten refugees were travelling with at least one child under the age of 18; one in three refugees were travelling with at least one person aged 60 or above; and one in five refugees reported to have, or be travelling with someone who had, a serious health condition. Of the respondents, the most pressing needs included, in order: transportation; financial support; support to return to their place of origin (when the situation in Ukraine is deemed safe); and food.

In Ukraine, IOM published the fourth round of its Ukraine Internal Displacement Population Survey on 9 May, which was intended to gather insights on internal displacement and mobility flows and assess local needs. Results of the general population survey show that as of 3 May, approximately 8.02 million persons, or 18.2 per cent of the general population, are currently internally displaced within Ukraine. This represents an increase of nearly 322,000 IDPs (4 per cent) since 17 April and an increase of 1,551,000 IDPs (24 per cent) compared to 16 March surveys. Within the overall 4 per cent increase in total number of internally displaced in Ukraine between survey rounds 3 and 4, the increase was most prominent in the east of the country – those who originally resided in the east now represent 49 per cent of the entire internally displaced population (up from 45 per cent in round 3).

In Romania, IOM’s DTM team completed 3,225 questionnaires at 9 locations across the country. On 5 May, the mission published its second DTM report, which documents the profiles and inclusion of Ukrainian refugees and TCNs from 25 March to 21 April. Overall, the primary needs of those intending to stay in Romania are information, language courses, transportation support, financial support and employment.

HUMANITARIAN TRANSPORT

In Moldova, IOM continues to support the humanitarian “Green Corridor” between Palanca, Moldova and Husi, Romania to alleviate traffic at border control points. From 5-9 May, the mission facilitated the transport of 293 persons on seven buses through the Green Corridor. Since 19 March, IOM and UNHCR have facilitated the transport of 10,292 persons.

The mission also organizes and provides assistance for commercial and charter flights from Moldova for vulnerable refugees and third country nationals. On 5 May, IOM facilitated the transfer of 113 refugees to Dusseldorf, Germany. Alongside pre-embarkation health checks, IOM provided pre- embarkation briefings, distributed personal protective equipment, facilitated ground transport and baggage handling, and distributed snack packs for all persons. To date, a total of 1,108 persons have been transferred by IOM and UNHCR to Austria (446), Germany (591), and France (71). Flights to Spain, France, and Austria are scheduled for later in the week.

PROTECTION

In Ukraine, IOM continues its awareness raising interventions through digital media and in-person leaflet distribution and information sessions. Together with the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, IOM has launched a nationwide trafficking prevention information campaign, which is being shared through national television and radio channels, social networks, and outdoor advertisements promoting IOM’s 527 Migrant Advice and Counter-Trafficking Hotline. The campaign reached more than one million Ukrainians during the first few days after launching. In addition, IOM has distributed approximately 10,000 awareness-raising leaflets in the last ten days.

In Hungary, IOM provides rapid vulnerability screening assessments in the border area, including in shelters provided by local municipalities, and at the Budapest information point. The mission also aims to raise awareness on protection risks and to refer vulnerable persons for in-depth screening and tailored assistance. From 3-9 May, IOM provided counselling and information to 85 persons. Since the start of the war, approximately 1,198 persons have received information and referrals.

In Moldova, from 3-5 May, IOM’s mobile protection teams reached 238 refugees in Glodeni, Ciadir-Lunga, Congaz, and Kirsovo. The refugees were informed about the risk of human trafficking and the available protection services in Moldova. Furthermore, 22 refugees received legal counselling, 98 refugees received social protection counselling, and two refugees were referred for assistance. The mission also provided similar protection support to third country nationals. Vulnerability screenings and pre-departure counselling were provided for third country nationals from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

In Slovakia, from 4-10 May, IOM provided direct legal assistance, referrals, and information to 173 beneficiaries through strategically located information points. During the same period, the mission provided legal counselling to 183 beneficiaries through its Migration Information Centre (MIC). From 24 February to 10 May, IOM provided information and legal counselling to 2,709 beneficiaries through MIC, including 1,427 Ukrainian refugees and 1,282 third country nationals. In total, the MIC website recorded 232,688 users and 617,061 page views.

SUPPORT TO THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS

In Germany, as of 6 May, there were 23 applications for support by third country nationals, with a total of 29 beneficiaries assisted for the REAG/GARP and StarthilfePlus to Algeria, Armenia Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. On 27 April and 6 May, digital third country national training sessions were given to return counsellors across Germany; 155 persons attended the training sessions, both with a focus on eligibility criteria.

In Hungary, IOM provides third country nationals with individual counselling on humanitarian voluntary return and the migration pathways applicable in their particular cases, as well as direct assistance before and during departure. During the reporting week, 22 third country nationals received counselling.

LIVELIHOODS AND FOOD SECURITY

In Belarus, IOM has assisted 16 Ukrainians with employment in the agricultural sector through payment for special employment permits. IOM is supporting one case of a female Ukrainian refugee in need of legal aid to facilitate employment in Belarus and another case of a Ukrainian wishing to take vocational training courses.

SITE MANAGEMENT

In Slovakia, IOM continues to support the government with information provision to displaced persons in the Gabcikovo accommodation facility on legal matters, including the national legal framework for the protection of vulnerable cases, access to social welfare benefits, and employment pathways. IOM has also launched Slovak language courses for those staying at the site and prepared the first Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) information sessions for young people.

IOM Supply Chain

USD 4.9 million in-kind donations received; USD 45 million of planned and signed orders; 15 warehouses operating accross the region, including 3 logistics cluster warehouses.

In Slovakia, Kosice warehouse received 24,360 blankets from BHA-USAID and 2,000 mattresses, 63,000 blankets and 80,000 towels from the government of Canada as in-kind support.

Also in Slovakia, from 4-10 May, 29 trucks were sent directly to Dnipro, Ukraine from IOM’s warehouse in Kosice, Slovakia for further distribution in the east of the country. In total, during the reporting period, IOM Slovakia sent 41 trucks of goods to Ukraine, totalling a volume of 656 metric tons.

On the global level, 12 of 12 flights carrying in-kind donations from the government of Canada have landed in Hungary and Poland, totalling approximately 333,500 relief items. The items are transferring through Kosice and Rzeszow warehouses on their way to Ukraine.

IOM Appeal Status

On 28 April, IOM launched its Revised Flash Appeal for Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries, which requests USD 514 million over the course of nine months to meet the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), refugees, migrants, third country nationals (TCN) and other vulnerable populations, as well as hosting communities in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, including Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. As of 11 May, IOM has received approximately USD 174 million, which represents confirmed funding and is exclusive of USD 1 million from the Migration Emergency Funding Mechanism (MEFM) and USD 0.3 million in reallocated funds.

Download:

IOM Regional Ukraine Response – Situation Report #18 (12 May 2022)

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