Approximately 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens have been displaced during the country’s conflict with Russia, the UN estimated Thursday.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict has been ongoing from 2014. Many residents of towns, which have been damaged as a result of the conflict, have had to flee their homes and livelihoods. Over 4,000 displaced families are now living in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. However, the increased population has strained resources and given rise to a shortage of housing.

Under international humanitarian law, displaced persons in countries where who are not involved in the ongoing armed conflict are entitled to protection. Article 21 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees provides that refugees have the right to housing.

To help to mitigate the housing shortage and better fulfil displaced persons’ right to housing, 105 apartments are under construction for displaced families, which will be accessible for approximately half of the market rate. The construction is part of an initiative called Common Cause. According to the UN, Common Cause is the first initiative of its kind to foster collaboration between displaced persons, local government and the established communities in the city.

“We know that displacement is a life-changing experience…In the early stages of displacement, people need assistance from their host communities and governments” commented the Head of External Relations at the UN Refugee Agency, Meghan Froener.

Establishing processes and initiatives to support displaced persons is critical during the conflict, which appears to be increasing. The UN is concerned that Russia will invade Ukraine given it has more than 100,000 troops stationed along the border of Ukraine. Russian military presence has caused Ukrainian citizens to fear an outbreak of war.

The UN Refugee Agency will continue to assist the Ukrainian government to help persons who are displaced within the country due to the conflict.