UNICEF presented its 2020-2021 annual work plan for eastern Ukraine

Laura Bill, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine, met the Governors of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to discuss the UNICEF’s planned activities for 2020-2021 for eastern Ukraine.

In 2020, out of the 7.8 million planned for the COVID response  for eastern Ukraine, UNICEF has already fundraised nearly US$7 million. This is complemented  by USD 4.7 million out of the US$9 million planned for the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected children and families and another US$10 million allocated for recovery and developmental programmes.

“Across eastern Ukraine, UNICEF is reaching  hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families through  psychosocial support and counselling on violence against children. While providing mine risk education in communities and in schools, UNICEF is also repairing damaged education facilities, including kindergartens, ensuring the provision of  vital water and other water related facilities, such as community  boreholes and water towers, together with hygiene  supplies. As part of the  COVID-19 response, UNICEF has been able to procure  for the immediate response medical, protective and hygiene supplies for health facilities  in eastern Ukraine,” said Laura Bill, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Ukraine. “Coordination with the local authorities is a key, as UNICEF comes in support to the Government to address crucial challenges related to children.”

“In these hard times the assistance provided by international humanitarian organizations is an integral part of the joint efforts for peacebuilding and wellbeing in Donetsk region. We appreciate the work that UNICEF has been doing to  improve the lives of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. This is particularly the case with regard to UNICEF's child protection, health and nutrition programmes, and its support for sustainable water supply” emphasized Ihor Moroz, the first Deputy  Governor of Donetsk region.

During the meeting Sergiy Gayday, the Governor of Luhansk region added: “UNICEF can rely on the local authorities’ support when implementing its activities. We are ready to take into consideration our international partners’ recommendations.”

The 2020-2021 UNICEF work plan includes activities related to improving the access of vulnerable families with children, including with disabilities, to social and education services, as well as ensuring family support services at community level for children without parental care and at risk of institutionalization.

UNICEF plans to continue to build the capacity of local authorities to implement child- friendly budgeting, child-friendly justice system and an inclusive and violence-free learning environment for all.

UNICEF will also continue to ensure uninterrupted water supply and sanitation services by supporting water utility companies and municipalities in conflict-affected areas, with due consideration of environmental risks and sustainable management of water resources and solid wastes.

As a result of the pandemic outbreak,  UNICEF’s work in eastern Ukraine this year has further expanded to enhance essential health services and quality health care at primary health care level, targeting the most vulnerable.  Among other, capacity building of primary health care professionals  and provision of medical supplies and equipment will be supported.