Almost 2,000 children killed in Ukraine war: UNICEF – Global Issues

UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and its Regional Director, Regina De Dominicisreleased a joint statement saying: “At least 1,993 children have been killed or injured in Ukraine since the war escalated more than two years ago.On average, two children die every day.”

The statement said this number of child deaths is likely to be higher.

The attacks in Ukraine are having a damaging impact on children’s mental health and well-being. Half of teenagers report having trouble sleeping and one in five report intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.

“As we see in all wars, the reckless decisions and actions of adults cost children their lives, their safety and their future,” the statement said.

“Almost half of children enrolled in school in Ukraine are missing out on in-person learning, and nearly a million children across the country have no access to in-person learning at all due to insecurity.”

UNICEF is working across Ukraine to restore schools and shelters, provide online learning support to children and provide home learning kits.

In 2023 alone, the UN agency was able to “assist 1.3 million children with formal and non-formal learning opportunities and 2.5 million children and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support services.”

Armistice needed

UNICEF repeatedly calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the protection of children.

This included, they said, halting the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and “attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure that cause disproportionate harm to children.”

The organization says children in Ukraine urgently need safety, stability, access to education, and child protection services and supports.

“More than anything, the children of Ukraine need peace,” the statement concluded.

Additional funding

UNICEF said its humanitarian and reconstruction programs need an additional $250 million for 2024 to ensure vital support for children and families in Ukraine.