Summary:
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At least 501 children have died since the war’s escalation, according to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “
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Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, remarked, “These numbers are merely the tip of the iceberg.”
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According to a UNICEF report, impoverished children have increased from 43% to 82%.
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An estimated 1.5 million youngsters are at risk for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others, which could have long-term consequences.
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According to UNICEF, thousands of children fleeing the Ukraine crisis lack essential vaccinations that would have shielded them from deadly diseases, including polio, measles, diphtheria, and others.
At least 501 children have died since the war’s escalation, according to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This is another tragic turning point for the families and children of Ukraine.”
According to the most recent OHCHR bulletin, 765 civilian casualties—178 fatalities and 587 injuries—were reported in Ukraine between March 1 and 31.
The Office recorded 22,607 civilian casualties between the invasion on February 24, 2022, and April 2, 2023, including 8,451 fatalities and 14,156 injuries.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, remarked, “These numbers are merely the tip of the iceberg.” The majority of the casualties were caused by the Russian forces’ employment of weapons, with a large area of effect in civilian areas.
Speaking before the Human Rights Council on Friday, he claimed that significant abuses of international law, including enforced disappearances, sexual assault, and summary executions, occur daily.
“Behind every number is a torn-apart family,”
Children and families in Ukraine are “suffering the ultimate price for this horrific war,” according to UNICEF’s executive director.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she continued, “because behind every number is a family torn apart and changed forever.”
In response, UNICEF is offering children vital help, such as care and support on a psychosocial level. According to a UNICEF report, impoverished children have increased from 43% to 82%. The situation is particularly dire for the 5.9 million displaced individuals within Ukraine.
Meanwhile, access to essential services for families and children has been severely restricted. An estimated 1.5 million youngsters are at risk for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others, which could have long-term consequences.
According to reports, bombings and shelling have damaged or destroyed over 800 medical facilities.
Thousands of people escaped the fighting.
According to UNICEF, thousands of children fleeing the Ukraine crisis lack essential vaccinations that would have shielded them from deadly diseases, including polio, measles, diphtheria, and others.
Since the commencement of the war, the organisation has, with the help of the international community, given 1.8 million kids school supplies and enrolled over 2.5 million kids in educational programmes.
In addition, UNICEF has given to 4.6 million children. Their carers mental health and psychosocial support, 725,000 women and children have received services to address gender-based violence, 5.6 million people have access to safe water, 5.4 million have received healthcare services, and 277,000 households in Ukraine and refugee-hosting nations have received multipurpose cash assistance.
We cannot wait long enough for peace.
Peace is ultimately necessary for children and families and must arrive quickly, said Ms Russell. “Whether in Ukraine or countless other conflicts worldwide, war is always the deadliest enemy of children.”
She said every child needs to grow up in a calm atmosphere, regardless of where they reside.
She continued that no child should have a childhood filled with dread and violence.
Effects of the Ukrainian Conflict on Children’s mental health UNICEF I
