The conflict that started in eastern Ukraine in April 2014 and intensified towards early 2015 resulted in significant human loss, extensive suffering and significant civilian displacement. Despite the signing of Minsk II Agreements in February 2015, insecurity continued in several locations along the ‘contact line’ between Government forces and armed groups. The September 2015 renewed ceasefire agreed by parties to the conflict to enable the start of the school year has been largely holding and marked a significant reduction in clashes and shelling, bringing partial relief for people who had been living under the threat of violence for many months. Nonetheless, the conflict is yet to be resolved and continues to have a disproportionate impact on civilians living in affected areas.
Humanitarian organizations estimate that, as of October 2015, at least 3.7 million people have been affected in Ukraine both directly and indirectly, and 3.1 million of them need humanitarian assistance. The reduced number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in comparison to the estimates of HRP 2015 is a result of a more accurate reflection of assessments and population data analysis.