As the war in Ukraine continues, children are increasingly caught in the crossfire, facing severe risks such as violence, family separation, and profound mental health challenges. Our July 2024 Child Protection Assessment offers a detailed examination of these urgent issues, focusing on the South-Eastern macro-region, including Kharkivska, Donetska, and Zaporizka.
- Three most indicated risks to children’s safety were bombing and shelling (73%), family separation (36%), and substance abuse by children (16%). The ongoing war also deteriorated children’s mental health.
- While some urban areas have relatively better access to child protection services, significant gaps persist, especially in rural and war-affected regions. These gaps include shortages in mental health services, insufficient child protection staff, and limited safe spaces for children. Barriers such as safety concerns when traveling to services and long waiting times further complicate access.
- Communities are generally aware of child protection risks and rights, however, about a third of the households (34%) needed additional information on child protection, including present risks, child protection services and ways to access these services.
This comprehensive assessment, conducted in collaboration with UNICEF and in collaboration with the Child Protection Area of Responsibility group in Ukraine, serves as a crucial tool for understanding the current landscape of child protection in Ukraine. Addressing the identified gaps and enhancing service delivery will be a first step towards a safer and more secure future for the children of Ukraine.
