The latest wave of Russian attacks across Ukraine has again highlighted the barriers many older people face in reaching safety during air raids

HelpAge International statement

Published

The intensity of the recent strikes on Kyiv and other regions has reinforced the barriers older people face in protecting themselves and accessing support during conflict.

Limited mobility, chronic health conditions, power cuts and non-functioning elevators can prevent older people from reaching shelters during air raids. Many shelters are also inaccessible or not adapted to the needs of older people and people with disabilities, leaving some with no option but to remain in their homes despite the danger.

“Many older Ukrainians are bearing a disproportionately high burden in this war. An air raid alert can mean more than fear of an impending attack. It can also mean knowing they cannot reach safety in time. When the elevator does not work, reaching a shelter may simply not be possible if they have limited mobility or use a walker or wheelchair,” said Victoriia Panchenko, Head of the HelpAge International Representative Office in Ukraine.

“The needs of older people and persons with disabilities must be an integral part of the humanitarian response and civil protection systems. But this can only be achieved if civil protection measures, evacuation procedures and humanitarian assistance are accessible and inclusive so that older people and people with disabilities can protect themselves and access the support they need.

After almost four and a half years of war, it is time to fully recognise the barriers that older people and people with disabilities face and ensure that they are not excluded from lifesaving assistance.

Victoriia Panchenko, Head of the HelpAge International Representative Office in Ukraine

International humanitarian law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Attacks that kill civilians and destroy civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.