Global Body Urges Action as Reports of Gender-Based Violence Escalate Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a stark warning issued in April 2025, the United Nations has raised alarm over the escalating violence against Ukrainian women amid the ongoing conflict in the country. The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have jointly reported a significant increase in cases of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, trafficking, and domestic abuse.

According to the UN, women in both conflict zones and refugee settings are facing heightened risks, with many survivors struggling to access justice and support services. Displacement, economic hardship, and the breakdown of community structures have further exacerbated the vulnerability of women and girls across Ukraine and in neighboring host countries.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the situation “a crisis within a crisis,” urging immediate action from the international community. “Women are bearing a disproportionate burden of this war,” he said. “We must prioritize their protection, ensure access to services, and hold perpetrators accountable.”

The UN report documents numerous cases of violence allegedly committed by both state and non-state actors, with particular concern over impunity and the lack of investigation in certain areas. Field missions conducted by UN agencies found that many women are reluctant to report abuses due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or disbelief by authorities.

Humanitarian organizations working on the ground have echoed the UN’s concerns. Shelters for survivors are overwhelmed, and psychological support remains critically underfunded. In some regions, women’s rights defenders have reported threats and harassment for assisting victims or advocating for policy changes.

In response, the UN has proposed a comprehensive action plan focused on prevention, protection, and accountability. Key measures include scaling up funding for women’s services, strengthening local law enforcement capacity, and integrating gender-sensitive policies into national and international humanitarian responses.

The European Union and other partners have pledged increased support for Ukraine’s women, including additional aid for shelters, mobile clinics, and legal aid services. However, experts warn that without a sustained, coordinated effort, progress may remain limited.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the UN emphasizes that the world cannot overlook the hidden toll it takes on women. “Ending gender-based violence is not optional,” said Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA. “It is a matter of justice, dignity, and human rights.”

The alarm sounded by the United Nations is a call to action: to listen to the voices of Ukrainian women, to address their needs, and to ensure they are not left behind in the global response to one of the most devastating conflicts of our time.