“[En Ucrania] the UN has verified that at least 2,406 children have died or been injured since February 2022, an average of two children per day,” he reported this Wednesday to the Security Council the executive director of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In a session on peace and security in Ukraine, requested by Ukraine through the United States – the country that presides over the security body this month – Catherine Russell added that these are the figures verified by the world body, but that the real data must be greater, and warned that more and more children are trapped in the conflict.
The true cost of war
“The UN verified more child victims during the first nine months of 2024 that for all of 2023. That is the true cost of a war,” declared Russell, remembering that behind each number there is a child with a name, a story and loved ones, whose hopes and dreams have been shattered.
Many families and children They live in hiding due to the risk of warchildren spend up to six hours a day hiding in damp, dark basements, listening to the noise of sirens and air raids, fearing for their lives, he explained.
Furthermore, he added, the conflagration has forced almost 3.6 million people to be displaced and 6.7 million to seek refuge in other countries.
No electricity
Russell highlighted the damage to energy infrastructure, which has reduced Ukraine’s electrical capacity to half of what it needs for winter. “Children are exposed to freezing temperatures,” he said.
Apart from heating, the lack of electricity also affects basic drinking water and sanitation servicesaccurate.
Children’s mental health
The mental health of children is another of the great effects of the war, which confronts them to fear, loss of loved ones, family separation and the disruption of education.
“The consequences of these traumas can be devastating and have a lasting impact on mental health of the children,” he said.
In the midst of adverse conditions, UNICEF works with partners to alleviate needs immediate humanitarian aid to Ukrainian children and families.
This year has facilitated access to drinking water for 5.1 million people and has provided psychosocial support to more than 630,000 children, adolescents and caregivers, indicated the head of that agency.
Respect for international humanitarian law
“But much more is needed to address the suffering of children and families. Once again, we ask for the support of the members of this Security Council and the parties to this conflict to take Immediate measures to protect children trapped in this nightmare,” Russell emphasized.
To achieve this, he explained, it is necessary for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and end abuse against childrenas well as attacks on energy and civil infrastructure.
The parties must also refrain from using explosive weapons in populated areas and using landmines and other weapons, such as cluster munitions, which have a disproportionate impact on children, he continued.
Likewise, the parties must prioritize family reunification and avoid any action that alters the nationality of a minor or that makes it difficult for them to reunify with their families, he noted.
Russel stressed that the UN and its partners Humanitarians must have safe and unimpeded access to all Ukrainian children and families who need help or protection services, even in non-government controlled areas.
Finally, he argued that although they are vital, humanitarian work They cannot replace a political solution that ends the war. “Children depend on this Council to provide them with solutions. We cannot and should not let them down,” concluded the executive director.
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