Nearly six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, UNICEF has confirmed that at least 972 children have died or been hurt as a result of the conflict.
The war in Ukraine has claimed the lives of at least 1,000 boys and girls, according to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), highlighting the urgent need for peace.
This was stated by UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell stated on Monday.
“Once again, as in all wars, the reckless decisions of adults are putting children at extreme risk. There are no armed operations of this kind that do not result in children being harmed,’’ she added.
Nearly six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, UNICEF has confirmed that at least 972 children have died or been hurt as a result of the conflict.
This equals a daily average of more than five kids.
“We believe the true number to be much higher,’’ Russell stressed.
According to her, explosive weapons, which do not distinguish between civilians and fighters, are to blame for the majority of kid fatalities.
She said that this is especially true in densely populated places, as has been the case in towns like Mariupol, Luhansk, Kremenchuk, Vinnytsia, and others.
In the meantime, all of Ukraine's children have experienced extremely upsetting things.
People running from violence run a serious risk of being separated from their families, mistreated, sexually exploited, attacked again, and trafficked.
Russell added that the upcoming start of the new school year will serve as a sobering reminder of the suffering endured by children in Ukraine.
“All children need to be in school and learning; including children caught up in emergencies. Children in Ukraine and those displaced by this war are no exception,’’ Russell stated.
UNICEF called for an immediate ceasefire and stated that children must be protected from harm, which includes ending the “brutal use’’ of explosive weapons in populated areas.
“Ukraine’s children urgently need safety, stability, and access to safe learning, child protection services, and psychosocial support.
“More than anything, Ukraine’s children need peace,” Russell stated.