UNITED NATIONS: The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday said that nearly 2,000 children in Ukraine have lost their lives amidst ongoing escalating war.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office and its Regional Director, Regina De Dominicis in a joint statement said at least 1,993 children in Ukraine have been killed or wounded since the start of war more than two years ago, an average of two child casualties every day.
The statement said the number of children’s deaths is likely to be higher.
It said that the attacks in Ukraine have affected the mental health and well-being of children, with half of teenagers reporting sleeping problems, and one in five reporting intrusive thoughts.
The statement said the actions and reckless decisions of adults are costing children their lives, safety and futures.
UNICEF has been working across Ukraine to resume schools and shelters while providing online learning to children and offering home learning kits.
The UN organization in 2023 alone, was able to help 1.3 million children with formal and non-formal educational opportunities and 2.5 million children with mental health and psychosocial support services.
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UNICEF is also steadily stressing for a prompt ceasefire in Ukraine and children’s protection.
The organization says children in Ukraine need grave stability, safety access to learning and child protection services and support.
It concluded Ukraine’s children need peace more than anything.
UNICEF said its 2024 humanitarian and recovery programs need an additional $250 million to ensure critical support for children and families in Ukraine.
