War in Ukraine: Support for children and families
Updated 13 May 2024 Two years of destruction and displacement, violence, separation from family members and friends, as well as disrupted schooling, health care and social services, have led to a mental health crisis and a learning crisis among Ukraine’s children. Despite their resilience, for many children inside and outside Ukraine the war has…, Support UNICEF’s work for children, Latest updates and stories, What’s happening in Ukraine?, Ukraine’s children are paying an extraordinary price in lives lost and upended. The war has resulted in death, injuries and mass displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes. Some children have fled alone, increasing their exposure to abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Children are being robbed of their…, Ukraine. A boy does his homework by candlelight in Bucha, Ukraine. Education disrupted, Schools and other educational facilities are not only places of learning – they also provide a crucial sense of structure and safety for children. Yet across the country, around 40 per cent of Ukraine’s children cannot access continuous education due to a lack of facilities. In areas nearer to the frontline, half of school-age children are unable…, Ukraine. A boy and girl hold hands as they look at a badly damaged building. Psychosocial effects, The war in Ukraine is robbing children of stability, safety, school, friends, family, a home and hopes for the future. The mental wounds of the war could affect children well into adulthood. To avert a generation of children scarred by the conflict, their mental health and psychosocial needs must be prioritised. This should include age-appropriate…, Poland. A Ukrainian woman holds her daughter at the train station in Przemysl, Poland. Impact beyond Ukraine, The war sparked displacement on a scale and speed not seen since World War II – with far-reaching impact across the region and beyond. UNICEF welcomes the international solidarity shown to Ukraine’s children and to those across the globe negatively impacted by the war. But as the conflict and displacement continues, support is still needed across…, How is UNICEF helping children and families?, UNICEF was in Ukraine before the conflict broke out, and since its escalation two years ago has stayed and delivered. In countries hosting refugees, UNICEF works with national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations, to deliver emergency assistance and support services to families fleeing war in Ukraine. Inside Ukraine, this…, What UNICEF is calling for, An end to attacks on the critical infrastructure children rely on, including schools, hospitals, energy, water and sanitation systems. Respect of humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law, and human rights law, including to end and prevent grave violations against children. Recovery inside Ukraine that focuses on and encourages the…, Moving forward, UNICEF will engage as and where support is needed to reach affected populations, including children. UNICEF has been in Ukraine for many years and has maintained a principled humanitarian approach in past instances of violence and conflict, to ensure continued access to vulnerable populations. Since the start of this war, UNICEF together with UN…
