World Humanitarian Day is observed to draw attention to the needs of people affected by armed conflicts, occupation, or other crisis situations. It is also an opportunity to underscore that occupied Crimea requires the attention of the international community, as humanitarian assistance is not limited to food or medicine but, above all, entails the protection of human rights, security, and the dignity of every citizen of Ukraine.
Under the conditions of the temporary occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, residents of the peninsula are deprived of adequate access to medical care, education, humanitarian assistance, and legal protection. It is particularly important to stress that people in the temporarily occupied territories are denied access to reliable information, face persecution for their beliefs, and are restricted in their rights to education, medical services, and freedom of religion. For this reason, Ukraine calls for increased pressure by the international community on the Russian Federation in order to put an end to violations of international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of the rights of the civilian population — above all children, women, and the elderly, who suffer most from the consequences of occupation.
The Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, in cooperation with state authorities, international organizations, and human rights initiatives, monitors the humanitarian situation, provides consultations to affected citizens, and facilitates the documentation of human rights violations in the occupied territory.
It is important to recall, however, that the State of Ukraine pays considerable attention to supporting internally displaced persons from Crimea. In particular, social benefits and pensions are provided, including to those who have lost their documents or were forced to leave their homes. Ukrainian citizens have access to medical and educational services in the territory controlled by Ukraine. Legal and psychological assistance is delivered through state institutions and civil society organizations. In addition, Ukraine facilitates the resolution of housing issues, employment, and the integration of displaced persons into communities across the regions.
The Mission works every day to ensure that humanitarian assistance — including legal and psychological support — reaches those who need it. To this end, the Mission participated in the development of and provided recommendations to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine On Certain Specifics of Pension Payments (Monthly Lifetime Maintenance) and on insurance payments for workplace accidents and occupational diseases that have resulted in disability, as well as to the relevant procedures. It also prepared information on the implementation of measures under the State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement for the period up to 2025. At present, the Mission is working on proposals to the updated State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement for 2023–2025 and its implementation plan, as well as contributing proposals to the 2025–2027 Action Plan for the Implementation of the State Regional Development Strategy for 2021–2027. This represents only part of the extensive daily work being carried out.
We express our gratitude to every volunteer, benefactor, international partner, and organization that extends a hand of assistance to the residents of Crimea and to all those affected by Russia’s aggression.
We continue our efforts to ensure that every citizen of Ukraine, regardless of place of residence, feels protected and supported. Crimea is Ukraine, and its people are part of our common family.