United Nations, May 21 (IANS) The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) estimated Tuesday that the tension in Ukraine has displaced an estimated 10,000 civilians.

UNHCR said that the number of people affected is continuing to rise, Xinhua quoted Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN secretary-general as saying at a daily briefing.

“A needs assessment mission has recently been completed and UNHCR is working closely with local authorities, other UN agencies and NGO partners to help those who are most affected,” said Dujarric, adding that so far this includes providing legal assistance, integration grants for 150 families, cash assistance for 2,000 people, and improved shelters for 50 families.

According to the UNHCR, the affected population, most ethnic Tatars, but also Ukrainians, Russians and mixed families, have fled Crimea and restive eastern Ukraine to other parts of the country, out of fear of insecurity or persecution. At least a third of the displaced are children.

Most displaced families have gone to central and western Ukraine, though some are also in the southern and eastern regions.