Horrific attacks take their toll – two children killed or injured daily over past 20-days

KYIV, 24 September 2024 – “Since the beginning of the school year on 2 September, at least 8 children have been killed and 39 injured in ongoing relentless attacks across Ukraine, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). This amounts to an average of at least 2 child casualties each day.”   

“These attacks not only end young lives but leave horrific long lasting physical and mental scars for survivors, family members and communities. 

“The start of the new academic year should have been a time of renewed hope, but it continues to be one of tragedy. According to HRMMU, at least 27 educational facilities have been verified as damaged or destroyed since classes started. 

“The war in Ukraine is an acute child protection crisis. We already estimated that 1.5 million children are at risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions. This number will only rise without action to protect children’s lives. 

“We say it again, that everything possible must be done to prevent attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and parties to the conflict must refrain from operating in and around civilian infrastructure. 

“UNICEF Ukraine and our brave local partners continue to respond following attacks to distribute lifesaving supplies and through mobile teams who provide mental health and psychosocial support. Early intervention is essential to start the healing process. Even in the midst of war, with children’s minds focused on survival not childhood, we can help children to better cope with the extreme stress they are living through. 

“At the UN General Assembly in New York on Sunday, member states unanimously adopted ‘The Pact for the Future’. The document includes a commitment to protect all civilians in armed conflict and to invest in the economic and social development of children so they can reach their full potential. 

“Ukraine’s children need to be protected today, they need to be prioritized in recovery efforts today, for the sake of their own wellbeing and progress, and that of the nation.