The conflict has severely impacted the psychosocial well-being of an entire generation of children growing up in eastern Ukraine. In addition, the children live in eastern Ukraine in one of the most mine-infested regions in the world. Every day they live, play and go to school in areas littered with landmines, unexploded ordnance and other deadly explosive remnants of war. Since the beginning of the conflict, UNICEF has provided psychosocial support and mine risk education to over 180,000 children, youth and carers in eastern Ukraine. UNICEF also supports the rehabilitation of damaged schools and kindergartens and distributes urgently needed educational goods such as school supplies, furniture and sports equipment.
UNICEF calls on all parties to respect the Safe School Statement and to protect children and their caregivers from attacks, whatever the circumstances. Educational institutions should remain a safe place where children are protected from attack and danger and where they can learn, play and reach their full potential. The child’s right to education cannot be protected in conflict situations without protecting education itself.
UNICEF will continue to work with conflict-affected communities to provide needed humanitarian assistance and address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable children and families.
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