The Register of Damage for Ukraine yesterday opened a new category of claims, A1.2, which covers “involuntary displacement outside of Ukraine”.

This category enables people who were forced to leave their home and move abroad as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and those who were unable to return to Ukraine for the same reason, to submit claims for damages.

More than 6.8 million people remain displaced outside Ukraine, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

For many, displacement has meant prolonged separation from home, disruption of family life and significant psychological hardship. The opening of Category A1.2 allows people who have been affected to submit claims for non-material harm suffered as a direct consequence of their involuntary displacement.

People displaced abroad — along with all others who have suffered damage as a result of the war — may also submit claims under the other categories that are currently open in the register.

These cover a wide range of harm, including damage or destruction of property, loss of housing, personal injury, loss of life, missing family members, conflict-related sexual violence and other serious violations and losses resulting from Russia’s aggression.

Those who have been granted temporary protection or asylum by another state as a result of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion will be considered to have been involuntarily displaced outside Ukraine for the purposes of Category A1.2.

This category of claims is now open to Ukrainian nationals and will be extended to people of other nationalities following the completion of the necessary technical arrangements.

Category A1.2 is the 15th category of claims opened by the register.