UKRAINE 2019 UNHCR PARTICIPATRY ASSESSMENT The issue with street lighting remains a concern in the settlement of Chermalyk near the contact line. In 2015, the settlement’s lighting system was severely damaged and the military did not allow the community to repair it for security reasons. Following the decreased level of fighting, the municipality reached a verbal agreement with the military, but their budget was insufficient to cover the costs for rehabilitation. In Krasnohorivka, undocumented male residents expressed fear of being forced to engage in ad hoc jobs for the military, such as digging trenches, because they are unable to confirm their identity. Mine risks People displaced from Chihary cannot visit their homes because the territory is contaminated with landmines. Since many people depended on their vegetable gardens, they face difficulties in supporting themselves. Persons residing along the contact line are afraid to use their vegetable gardens because of fears of mines and unexploded ordnance. Many people depend on their poultry and other domestic animals to survive; however, due to high risks of mines, cows and goats cannot graze freely. Due to poor employment prospects, men frequently collect scrap metal, which can include unexploded remnants of war. This causes additional protection risks. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) In Avdiivka, women noted psychological pressure associated with the presence of the military. They said they stay at home as much as possible in order to avoid contact with the military. “I try not to go out, I have learnt even how to live without bread, it was hard first, I used to love fresh bread so much. Now, I leave my house only once or twice per month to get some food.” Conflict-affected woman in Avdiivka Survivors of SGBV said they cannot access adequate services, such as medical services, emergency medical and psychological support. Participants had low awareness about what constitutes SGBV and where to seek services. The police have little coverage in settlements along the contact line. At the so-called Svitlodarsk arc, there is just one police officer covering eight towns and urban-type settlements. Civilians have to appeal to the military for help. In one case, a woman said that this had just made the situation worse. Military occupation of civilian houses Participants complained that the military lives in their houses in Chihary. They believe this is the reason they are not allowed to visit their homes, since shelling is less frequent than before. Participants in Avdiivka and Svitlodarsk complained that the military is based in civilian multi-story buildings. In Svitlodarsk, the roof is leaking and the apartments of the top floor are flooded when it rains. Residents are not allowed on the roof to perform repairs, and they suspect there is military equipment on the roof. According to participants in Kurakhove, some community members are unable to access their belongings in the contact line settlement of Novotroitske (Volnovasky Raion) because their houses are occupied by military. Reportedly, some of the residents of this settlement were evicted from their houses by the military because they could not show the documents proving their ownership. According to participants who was explaining the situation in his isolated settlement near the contact line, there are four houses in his settlement that are currently occupied by the military. Three owners left the settlement prior to the houses being occupied; therefore, they have not entered into an agreement with the military. In 2015, one owner made a verbal agreement with the military allowing them to use his house until further notice; however, at present, the military has refused to vacate the premises. Freedom of movement Many participants complained about the difficulties while crossing the contact line as they face long lines and long waiting hours. Though there is supposed to be an accelerated lane for vulnerable persons, some eligible persons had to wait in the common queue. People complained that some pay money to be fast-tracked. 12