Hundreds of thousands of children have been traumatized by the war in Ukraine, according to Unicef.
They are traumatized by two years of conflict and violence. Some 200,000 Ukrainian children are in need of psychosocial assistance, according to Unicef, which publishes a communicated this Friday and calls on all the protagonists of the conflict to guarantee “secure and unrestricted humanitarian access” to the population.
“Indelible marks”
The UN Agency thus recalls that 580,000 children suffered the full brunt of the consequences of the war in Ukraine, because they lived in rebel areas or near the eastern front of the country was affected by the conflict.
Thus, more than 215,000 minors fled the combat zones. Across the country, at least one in five schools has been damaged or destroyed. The human toll among this young population is heavy. In 2015, 20 children were killed, and more than 40 injured, reports Unicef. These attacks are largely linked to mines and munitions that have not exploded.
Among all these children exposed to war, one in three therefore needs psychosocial support. “Two years of violence, bombings and fear have left indelible marks on thousands of children,” denounces Giovanna Barberis, representative of Unicef in Ukraine, quoted in the press release.
Alarming health situation
In addition, the health situation is deteriorating in the country and risks increasing the exposure of the youngest to traumatic situations. Thus, polio has returned to Ukrainian territory, after 19 years of absence. In September, the WHO announced that two babies had contracted the virus.
The water supply infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged, considerably reducing access to drinking water. All along the border, two million people risk the shortage, warns Unicef.
Lower temperatures, difficult fuel supplies and rising coal prices raise fears of an epidemic of respiratory infections, which would primarily threaten the most vulnerable – including children. Other diseases could develop, due to “lack of access to health services” and “shortage of drugs”.
“As the conflict continues, we must be able to reach these children urgently in order to relieve their physical and psychological suffering,” urges Unicef, which is appealing for funds of 49 million euros to be able to come to their aid.
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