UN OCHA [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases
[We generally do not include OCHA Flash Updates on humanitarian crises in this digest]

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07 Nov 2015
Russian Federation: UN Humanitarian Chief encouraged by stronger aid partnership with Russia
(Moscow, 6 November 2015): Stephen O’Brien, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, today concluded his first official visit to the Russian Federation, with the aim of building on the strong partnership between Russia and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
“We have an excellent partnership with the Russian Federation in humanitarian affairs, and this has a clear impact in our ability to respond to people’s needs around the world,” noted USG O’Brien. “Russia plays a vital and strategic role as a Member State actively engaged in global and multi-lateral humanitarian efforts, as well as a provider of considerable emergency expertise, assets and relief supplies, and as a generous donor to humanitarian funds.”…

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05 Nov 2015
Ukraine: UN Humanitarian chief calls for urgent, sustained access to vulnerable communities in Eastern Ukraine
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Ukraine
(Kyiv, 4 November 2015) UN Humanitarian Chief Stephen O’Brien concluded his three-day visit to Ukraine today, calling for sustained and unimpeded access to the vulnerable communities caught in the middle of the crisis and who urgently need humanitarian aid…
“As a result of my meetings and the welcome assurances I received, I have confidence that I can count upon all the parties to facilitate immediate, unimpeded and sustained aid delivery. We and our partners remain ready to scale up the delivery of vital aid and are activating our plan to commence the transport of some 500 metric tonnes of blankets, food, medical supplies and shelter repair materials for people in the Luhansk area in the next few days,” announced USG O’Brien. “As impartial, neutral and independent humanitarians, we will continue to coordinate with all parties so that we can get to the people who need help, urge all sides to allow free movement of civilians and aid workers, and to mobilize further funds to enable this critical work.” …