Ukraine: Protection needs overview and GBV safety audit findings — collective sites in Kherson Oblast

Residents in the assessed collective sites include individuals displaced since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, as well as those displaced earlier since 2014. Among them, older persons, persons with disabilities or limited mobility, families with children, and survivors of mine- and explosive-related incidents face heightened protection risks. Barriers to physical access, mobility constraints, and insufficiently adapted infrastructure increase safety risks and contribute to social isolation. 

According to observations from DRC, the highest concentration of conflict-displaced people living in collective sites in the city of Kherson is located in facilities situated in areas with heightened security risks. These locations are particularly vulnerable due to ongoing artillery and FPV drone attacks, and their proximity to frequently targeted sites such as markets, energy infrastructure, administrative buildings, and other public facilities.

The proximity to the frontline and the persistence of shelling significantly constrain humanitarian access and the ability to conduct regular monitoring visits. As a result, the consistency and predictability of humanitarian response are affected, the range of services that can be delivered is reduced, and the timely identification and response to residents’ urgent needs becomes more challenging.