No end in sight to the violence and fear
For the children of Ukraine, the last two years have been marked by destruction, displacement, violence as well as separation and loss of family and friends. They have had no reliable and permanent access to education and healthcare. A widespread education crisis and a mental health crisis have unfolded.
Violence & destruction
Over the last two years, children living near the frontline have spent between 2.800 and 4.800 hours in bomb shelters. That’s a total of 4 to 6,5 months of fear. The last few months have been particularly horrific: there has been another escalation of attacks on homes, schools and hospitals throughout Ukraine. Terrified, the children in the freezing bomb shelters hope for an end to this cruel war.
Even when there is no bombing, the children’s lives are in constant danger. Around a third of the entire country is contaminated with mines and explosive remnants of war.
Education crisis
Educational facilities are still damaged and continue to be destroyed. Due to the attacks on key infrastructure, there is a lack of electricity and heating. The schools and especially the bomb shelters are cold and dark. 40 per cent of children in Ukraine are unable to attend school regularly; near the front line, half of all school-age children are unable to do so.
Yet schools are much more than just places for children to learn. They give them structure and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. They are places where they can play and interact with their peers. All of this is important for their development and mental health.
Enormous psychological strain
For many children, education is limited to online classes. If they are unable to go to school, they often not only fall behind in terms of education, but also suffer from the resulting isolation. Together with the fear and loss, this often causes the children great distress.
Countless children experience problems such as anxiety, phobias, increased sadness, sensitivity to loud noises and sleep disorders. It is crucial to address these problems early on to prevent children suffering from them all their lives.
We stand by the children
UNICEF is providing essential humanitarian assistance throughout Ukraine as well as in host countries. Within Ukraine, we focus on providing children with safe and sustainable access to healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychosocial support.
In the host countries, we work with governments, administrations and local partners to strengthen national systems and provide refugee children with quality education, healthcare and protection services.
