Nearly 2,000 children killed in Ukraine war

The Regional Office of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Europe and Central Asia and its regional director, Regina De Dominicis, issued a joint statement in which they stated: “At least 1,993 children have been killed or injured in Ukraine since the escalation of the war more than two years ago, which represents an average of two child victims a day”.

The attacks in Ukraine have negatively affected children’s mental health and well-being, with half of teenagers reporting sleep problems, and one in five reporting intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.

“As we see in all wars, the decisions and Reckless actions by adults are costing children their lives, their safety and their future.“says the statement.

Interrupted education

June will mark four years of interrupted education in Ukraine, according to UNICEF.

“Almost half of school children in Ukraine do not have access to in-person learning, and almost a million children across the country cannot access any type of in-person learning due to insecurity.”

UNICEF has been working across Ukraine to restore schools and shelters, while also providing online learning support to children and offering home learning equipment.

In 2023 alone, the UN organization was able to help “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.”

A ceasefire is necessary

UNICEF continues to call for a quick ceasefire in Ukraine and the protection of children.

This ceasefire must include stopping the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and “attacks against civilian facilities and infrastructure that disproportionately harm children.”

The organization states that children in Ukraine need security, stability, access to learning and child protection and support services.

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

Separately, UNICEF said its 2024 humanitarian and recovery programs need an additional $250 million to ensure critical support to children and families in Ukraine.