Author(s): Andrii Voitsikhovskyi, Tetyana Gudz, Oleh Honcharuk, Nataliia Filipska
The article is devoted to the study of the dynamics and scope of the humanitarian crisis that arose as a result of the full-scale armed invasion of Russia into Ukraine in February, 2022. Russian aggression, which violates International law and the UN Charter, caused the death and injury of thousands of civilians, inflicted serious physical and psychological trauma to the population, occasioned mass internal and external migration, and led to the destruction of critical infrastructure facilities, which ultimately led to humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The international community still does not have a single legal definition of the term “humanitarian crisis”. The Geneva Conventions of 1949, the main documents of international humanitarian law, do not contain a definition of the term “humanitarian”. A humanitarian crisis can be described as a serious disruption of the normal functioning of a community or society, which leads to significant losses and requires external assistance. Modern international law and normative legal acts of international organizations also do not define the characteristics, duration or intensity of humanitarian crises, often using the terms “difficult humanitarian emergencies” or “complex situations”. During the war in Ukraine, the main state institutions, such as the health care system, education and social security, were significantly damaged or completely destroyed, which led to their ineffectiveness. The limited possibilities of delivery of humanitarian aid further complicated the situation, failing to meet the basic needs of the population. The humanitarian crisis creates specific challenges for vulnerable populations: internally displaced persons face difficulties in housing, access to health care, education, work and social integration; refugees have problems with integration into new communities, lack of financial resources and psychological stress; women experience gender-based violence and discrimination; children are forced to leave their homes, to be separated from their parents and exposed to shelling; people with disabilities face additional difficulties due to increased vulnerability; older adults deal with poverty and limited access to care. Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine has caused a significant humanitarian crisis in the European Union due to the movement of Ukrainian refugees. Millions of people left their homes, seeking refuge in other countries, where they were provided with housing and other Journal of Legal Ethical and Regulatory Issues Volume 27, Issue 6, 2024 2 1544-0044-27-6-130 Citation Information: Voitsikhovskyi A.,Gudz T., Honcharuk O.,Filipska N., (2024). Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine As A Result of Russia’s Armed Aggression: National and Global Consequences. Journal of Legal Ethical and Regulatory Issues 27(6) 1-15. assistance. This crisis has significant consequences for European countries, including social, economic and political aspects. The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is seriously affecting global food security, causing disruptions in international supplies. As one of the main producers of grain, oilseeds and other products, Ukraine suffers significant losses due to the destruction of crops, demolition of granaries, mining of fields and export restrictions imposed by Russia on sea routes. It has led to a decrease in grain production, which is necessary to ensure food security in countries facing a food crisis. In conclusion, it is stated that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the European Union creates serious problems, including security threats, significant human losses, destruction of residential areas, disruption of critical infrastructure and economic degradation. To solve these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed, which includes strengthening coordination between international and local humanitarian organizations, providing additional funding, increasing the flexibility of international aid, strengthening logistical efforts, developing specialized aid programs, and increasing transparency in the distribution of resources. Adapting migration policies, simplifying asylum procedures, developing mechanisms for distributing refugees from Ukraine between countries and ensuring their legal support are important tasks for the European Union. Humanitarian responsibility for the protection of human rights and dignified treatment of refugees is a priority for European countries, which requires the development of comprehensive programs of social support and ensuring their basic rights and freedoms.