Due to the war, Ukrainian citizens are forced to seek refuge in other countries, the fertility rate is declining and there are casualties in the fighting. Demographic trends have worsened since the Russian invasion, first in 2014 and again in 2022.
Since the Russian invasion in 2014, the Ukrainian population has declined by a total of 10 million, of which about 8 million Displaced after 2022. The number of refugees taking refuge in other countries from Ukraine has now reached 67 lakhs. The departure of the young population from the country has had a deep impact on the economy. The UN agency has emphasized on the adoption of such strategies to deal with the deepening challenge of demography, which focus on promoting human capital and socio-economic reforms. Eastern Europe And UNFPA Regional Director for Central Asia, Florence Bauer, said in Geneva that millions of people have been displaced due to the violence, and thousands have died. According to her, the country needs to be freed from the current crisis. Human capital is vital for recovery, but it is in serious decline. Demographic crisis The UN agency says that even before the war started, Ukraine was struggling with large-scale demographic challenges. The childbearing rate per woman here is one, the lowest in Europe. In addition to having a low birth rate compared to other European countries, the population here is aging and a large number of people are moving to other countries in search of opportunities. In response, Ukraine, with the support of UNFPA, has developed a National Demographic Strategy, which focuses on human capital rather than simply increasing child birth rates.The Importance of PeaceThe Government of Ukraine believes that To solve the demographic crisis, it is important to also tackle its socio-economic causes. This includes making care systems accessible to people, expanding healthcare and education, and creating new opportunities for a better life for youth and families. This strategy draws lessons from the experiences of countries like Sweden, and includes gender equality, creating a family-friendly environment at work, and adopting inclusive social and economic policies. Advocacy has been done. Regional Director Florence Bauer said the path towards a solution to the demographic crisis will also depend on when peace will return to Ukraine. Despite this, the foundation can still be laid to get the country out of this problem.