Catherine Russell, the head of UNICEF, has called for urgent protection measures for children caught in the ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing the need for both international support and a political solution to end the conflict. “Children are depending on this Council to provide solutions. We cannot and we must not let them down,” she said.
Since the war began in February 2022, over 2,400 children have been killed or injured, an average of two a day, with the actual number likely higher. Russell highlighted the devastating personal stories behind these numbers, noting that more children are directly involved in the conflict. In 2024 alone, the UN verified more child casualties in the first nine months than in the entire year of 2023.
The war has displaced millions, with nearly 3.6 million Ukrainians internally displaced and 6.7 million living as refugees. Children are often forced to shelter in basements for hours a day due to constant attacks, while nearly 1,500 schools and over 660 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. In cities like Kharkiv, children now attend underground makeshift schools, often in metro stations.
Winter conditions have worsened the situation, with power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day, leaving children without heating, water, or sanitation. The mental toll on children is equally severe, as they live in constant fear, witness the loss of loved ones, and face disruptions to their education.
UNICEF continues its humanitarian efforts, but Russell emphasized the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to protect children, abide by international laws, and allow unfettered humanitarian access to all areas.
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