The United Nations revealed that over half of all Ukrainian children are displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion began.
Ukrainian children: Displaced by war
In an official statement on Thursday, the UNICEF chief revealed that over 50 percent of children in Ukraine were now displaced. “One month of the war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children — more than half of the country’s estimated 7.5 million child population,” stated Catherine M. Russell. “The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II. Children’s safety, wellbeing, and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence,” she added.
Additionally, the UN Human Rights office confirmed the death of 81 and the injury of 108 Ukrainian children amidst the conflict. However, the UN acknowledged that the true numbers are probably higher. Declaring that the conflict is taking a drastic toll on civilian infrastructure and people’s access to necessary services.
Running out of time to save their futures
The statement follows a month after the first Russian tanks crossed the border. Starting a conflict that has taken thousands of lives of civilians in Ukraine. So far, the number of children displaced by war makes up about half of the 10 million and more people forced to flee their homes. The UN also revealed that over 1.8 million children fled the nation as refugees. But, over 2.5 million more are still inside the war-torn nation.
The staff of SOS Children’s village in Ukraine brought over 100 Ukrainian children and foster families to Poland. This was in the first week of the conflict. They later helped move 500 foster children and caregivers to safe locations in other nations. However, several children are still trapped, exposed to the battles, bombing, freezing temperatures, and starving without food. Additionally, the Ukrainian government is reviewing its legislation for addressing evacuation of children institutions.