UNICEF’s executive director, addressing a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, called on the international community and warring parties to find a political solution to end the war.
According to him, the children of Ukraine depend on the Security Council to solve the current challenges. “We can’t let them down or let them be.”
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military in February 2022 has deeply affected local children. So far, 2,406 boys and girls have been confirmed dead or injured, which means an average of two children every day.
But the actual number is likely to be much higher. “Behind each number is a child’s own name. A story of a life, and loved ones whose hopes and dreams are shattered.
A top UNICEF official said the number of children burned in the heat of violent conflict is increasing. The number of child deaths in the first 9 months of 2024 exceeded the total number of 2023.
The war displaced a large number of Ukrainian citizens, with 3.6 million forced to move within the country’s borders, while 6.7 million sought refuge in other countries.
According to Catherine Russell, children in some areas of Ukraine are forced to spend up to six hours a day in basements and other underground spaces because of the constant attacks.
More than 1500 educational institutions and 660 health centers were damaged or destroyed in the war. In Kharkiv and other cities, temporary shelters are now being built for classes and sports, and the same is true of metro stations.
Executive Director of UNICEF Dr. Attacks by the Russian military targeting Ukraine’s power grid have worsened the situation, with power generation capacity down to just 50 percent.
“With power outages lasting up to 18 hours in some parts of Ukraine, many children in Ukraine are now forced to live without vital services, including hot, safe water and sanitation.”
Effects on mental health
Catherine Russell said the war in Ukraine had a devastating impact on children’s mental health and robbed them of their childhood.
Children are constantly exposed to attacks, fear of violence and danger. They lose loved ones, children are separated from their families due to displacement and their education is disrupted.
The UNICEF chief called for the support of member states in the Security Council to take immediate action to save children from this nightmare.
He noted that children separated from their families need to be reunited and refrain from taking any steps to change their nationality.
Catherine Russell emphasized that the UN and partner organizations must provide unhindered access to humanitarian assistance to families in need, in a safe environment.