The Republic of Korea and UNICEF announce partnership to support inclusion of Ukrainian children

Brno, 26 June 2024 – The Republic of Korea and UNICEF have launched a partnership to support ongoing inclusion programmes of Ukrainian children and their families living in the Czech Republic.

The partnership was developed to support the efforts of the Government of the Czech Republic who are providing an ongoing safe haven for over 350,000 refugees from Ukraine, including 90,000 children. It will focus on the inclusion of refugees into Czech life through collaboration with government partners and civil society organisations.

“The Korean government has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries of Ukraine. The Korean government decides to grant a donation of 2.5 million US dollars to support the UNICEF refugee response programme in the Czech Republic. I am grateful that we can join the Czech government’s efforts to support Ukrainian children and youth through this partnership with UNICEF. We will continue to work closely with the Czech government to support Ukraine and provide assistance to its people,” said Youngki Hong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Czech Republic.

The partnership consists of 3 pillars, expanding coverage and scope of integrated protection services and integration support through the 18 Integration Centres, increasing the enrollment in education and supporting alternative pathways to skills building and development for adolescents and youth aged 15-24 through CESTY Programme.

Through the partnership, the 18 integration centres across the Czech Republic will be supported in serving over 130,000 children, young people and caregivers. The centres provide a range of support including mental health and psychosocial care, legal counselling, play and learning activities for young children, and individual case management support. The partnership also aims to reach 10,000 Ukrainian students with inclusive education. Through the Cesty programme 1,500 young people will receive skills building and transition to employment support.

“Through this partnership the Republic of Korea and UNICEF will support the government-led efforts to facilitate the inclusion of refugees in Czech society and foster social cohesion. At the heart of our joint efforts is commitment to ensure that every child and family have the support they need to overcome the trauma of displacement and continue to learn and develop to their full potential. Investment in children and youth is critical for the future recovery of Ukraine,” said Yulia Oleinik, Head of UNICEF Refugee Response Office in the Czech Republic.

To mark the launch of the partnership, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Czech Republic Youngki Hong, together with the Deputy Governor of the South Moravian Region Lukáš Dubec and Head of UNICEF Refugee Response Office Yulia Oleinik visited the Integration Centre in Brno. During the visit, they met with Ukrainian children and parents, as well as social workers providing this critical support.

“Most of the Ukrainian families who came to the Czech Republic hoped that they would be able to return to their homeland very soon. Instead, they are now trying to build a life here, which is not at all easy. All the support that we can provide and ensure to these families and especially their children is very welcome and we thank all our partners that help here in the region and outside of it as well,” said the Deputy Governor of the South Moravian region Lukáš Dubec.