UNICEF’s executive director, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, urged the international community and the warring parties to find a political solution to end the war. According to her, Ukrainian children are the key to finding solutions to the current challenges.
Depend on the Security Council for. “We cannot and must not let them down.” The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces in February 2022 has deeply affected local children. So far, 2,406 boys and girls have been confirmed dead or injured, which means an average of two children every day. However, the actual figure is likely to be much higher. “Behind every number, there is a child with its own name. The story of a life, and loved ones, whose hopes and dreams have been shattered.” UNICEF’s top official said that the number of children burnt in the heat of violent conflict is increasing. The number of child casualties in the first nine months of 2024 exceeds the total figure for 2023. The war has displaced a large number of Ukrainian citizens, with 3.6 million forced within the country’s borders, while 6.7 million People have taken refuge in other countries. According to Catherine Russell, as the attacks continue, children in some areas of Ukraine are forced to stay in basements and other underground places for about six hours every day. More than one and a half thousand educational institutions and 660 health centers have been damaged or destroyed in the war. In Kharkiv and other cities, temporary shelters have now been built on the grounds for classes and sports, and the same is the case with the metro station. UNICEF Executive Director said that children are facing freezing cold during the winter season. . Attacks by Russian military forces targeting power grids in Ukraine have worsened the situation, reducing power and energy production capacity to only 50 percent. “In some parts of Ukraine, power outages can last up to 18 hours. , as a result, many children in Ukraine are now forced to live without essential services, including heating, safe water, and sanitation.” Mental Health Impact Katherine Russell reports that Ukraine The war has also seriously affected the mental health of children and their childhood has been taken away from them. Children have to face constant attacks, fear of violence and danger. They have lost loved ones, children have been separated from their families due to displacement, and their education has been disrupted. The UNICEF chief urged Security Council Member States to support immediate action to save children from this nightmare. Steps can be taken. He pointed out that children separated from their families need to be reunited and any steps need to be taken to change their nationality. Katherine Russell Emphasizing that the United Nations and partner organizations must be provided with access to unimpeded humanitarian assistance, in a safe environment, to families in need.