Due to the war, Ukrainian citizens are being forced to seek refuge in other countries, the fertility rate is declining and war casualties are occurring. Population trends have worsened since the Russian invasion, first in 2014 and then in 2022.
Since the Russian invasion in 2014, Ukraine’s population has declined by a total of 10 million, with around 8 million displaced after 2022.
The number of refugees who have sought refuge in other countries from Ukraine has now reached 6.7 million. The economy has been deeply affected by the exodus of young people.
To address the growing challenge of population, the United Nations agency has emphasized the adoption of strategies that focus on human capital and socio-economic reforms.
Florence Bauer, UNFPA regional director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said in Geneva that the violence had displaced millions and killed thousands.
According to him, human capital is very important for the country to come out of the current crisis but it is drastically decreasing.
Population crisis
The UN agency says Ukraine was facing massive demographic challenges even before the war began. It has one child per woman, the lowest in Europe.
In addition to having a lower birth rate than other European countries, the population is aging and large numbers of people are moving abroad in search of opportunities.
In response, Ukraine, with support from UNFPA, developed a national population strategy that focuses on human capital rather than simply increasing the birth rate.
The importance of peace
The government of Ukraine believes that in order to solve the demographic crisis, it is also important to address its socio-economic causes.
It aims to make care systems more accessible to people, expand access to health care and education, and create new opportunities for better lives for youth and families.
The strategy draws lessons from the experience of countries such as Sweden and advocates gender equality, family-friendly workplace environments and inclusive social and economic policies.
Regional director Florence Bauer said the path to a solution to the demographic crisis will also depend on when peace returns to Ukraine. However, the foundation can be laid to bring the country out of this problem.