Ukraine: UNICEF chief calls for better protection for children ‘trapped in this nightmare’

Catherine Russell, head of the United Nations children’s rights agency, UNICEFcalled for greater protection efforts by both the international community and the conflict parties as well as a political solution to end the war.

“Children depend on this Council to come up with solutions. We cannot and we must not disappoint them,” she speak.

Young lives are broken

Ms Russell outlined the terrible toll on children’s lives.

At least 2,406 boys and girls have been killed or injured since the war began in February 2022 – an average of two per day, according to figures verified by the United Nations, although the real number Economy could be much higher.

“Behind every number is a child with a name, a life story and loved ones whose hopes and dreams have been shattered,” she said.

She noted that more and more young people are directly caught up in the conflict.

“The United Nations has verified that the number of child casualties in the first 9 months of 2024 is more than in the whole of 2023. This is the true cost of warBut it doesn’t end there,” she said.

Here, she points to the staggering number of people who have been displaced by the fighting, with nearly 3.6 million displaced in Ukraine and nearly double that number, 6.7 million, now displaced. refugee.

Live and study underground

Due to the constant threat of attack, children in some parts of the country are now sheltering for up to six hours a day in basements and other dark, damp spaces, she continued.

Furthermore, nearly 1,500 educational institutions and more than 660 medical facilities were damaged or destroyed during the war. In some cities such as Kharkiv, classrooms and playgrounds have been replaced by temporary underground schools, including in metro stations.

The onset of winter means children have to face freezing temperatures. The situation has been made worse by Russia’s increasing attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, which has reduced energy capacity to only half of what is needed during the colder months.

“Some regions in Ukraine lost power for 18 hours a day. As a result, many children in Ukraine do not have basic needs such as heating, clean water and sanitation,” she said.

Mental health woes

War is also taking a terrible toll on children’s mental health and robbing them of their childhood, she continued.

“Children are affected by the constant threat and fear of attacks or violence, loss of loved ones, family separation due to displacement and disruption to education – including the isolation due to long-term online learning.

As the war continues, UNICEF and partners are working tirelessly to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of children and families. This includes working with municipalities to keep heating systems running throughout the winter.

Although they are doing their best, Ms. Russell emphasized the need for more action.

Stop violations against children

“We once again appeal for the support of our Members Security Counciland the parties to this conflict must take immediate steps to protect children trapped in this nightmareshe said.

All parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian and human rights law and end serious violations against children and attacks on energy infrastructure, she said. Energy, medical facilities and schools must cease immediately.

Parties must also limit the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, as well as the use of mines, cluster bombs and other weapons that disproportionately impact children.

Reuniting families, allowing humanitarian access

As UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the number of children separated from their families, Ms. change the nationality of children or make it more difficult for them to be reunited.

“UNICEF continues to support the return and reintegration of all children in line with its commitments Convention on the Rights of the Childshe said.

“And finally, The United Nations and partners must have safe and unhindered humanitarian access for all children and families in Ukraine persons in need of aid or protection services, including in areas not controlled by the Government.”