An eight-year-old girl stands in the ruins of her school in Ukraine. UNICEF: at least 25 children have died in Ukraine due to war in three months Peace and Security
The number of children killed in attacks in Ukraine has increased by almost 40 percent this year compared to 2023. This was reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
According to data confirmed by the UN, 25 children were killed as a result of the fighting between January 1 and March 31, 2024, the youngest of whom was only two months old. Nine more children were reportedly killed during the first three weeks of April.
Loss and Destruction
« Deadly attacks continue, leaving children and their families to endure even more loss and destruction,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, who completed her visit to Ukraine this week.
At least 600 children have been killed in attacks since the war escalated in 2022, according to the UN. More than 1350 were injured. The real number of killed and wounded is likely significantly higher than the figures that have been officially confirmed to date.
In addition, infrastructure that is essential to the well-being of children continues to suffer. In the first three months of this year, thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, as well as 36 medical and 140 educational institutions. The attacks disrupt critical electricity and water services.
Access to education
Two years of war and the preceding COVID-19 pandemic have led to the fact that the school process education in Ukraine has been disrupted for more than four years. Nearly half of schoolchildren – about a million children – are unable to attend in-person learning due to insecurity.
UNICEF supports the restoration of schools and shelters, providing families with materials for learning at home and develops online learning. UNICEF also works in the area of mental health and psychosocial support, including the creation of specialized spaces and centers. . 2.5 million children and their parents or guardians benefited from this assistance last year.
With partners, UNICEF is rebuilding water and health infrastructure destroyed or damaged by attacks .
Currently, UNICEF requires an additional 250 million dollars to work in Ukraine, including in the front-line areas.
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