According to UNICEF, one in five children in Ukraine has lost a close relative or friend since the start of the full-scale war three years ago. The study also shows that 2023 was even more deadly for children, with the number of casualties increasing by 50%. In total, more than 2,520 children have been killed or injured since February 2022, but the actual number of victims is likely much higher.
See also: Unicef to fund preparation of Ukrainian schools for winter
According to official figures, over 1600 educational institutions and almost 790 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged in the last three years. Children and their parents in Ukraine are experiencing serious emotional and physical difficulties because of the war. One third of adolescents admitted that feelings of sadness and hopelessness prevent them from living their normal lives. Girls are the most vulnerable.
In addition to psychological problems, the war has had a significant impact on education. Almost 40 per cent of children study exclusively online or combine distance and face-to-face learning. Educational losses reach two years in reading and one year in mathematics.
The situation is also difficult for refugee children. There are 6.86 million officially registered Ukrainian refugees in the world, of which almost a million live in Poland. Half of the school-age children in countries that have accepted refugees are not enrolled in local educational institutions, which limits their opportunities for learning and integration.
Read also: Ministry of Justice and UNICEF create a register of deported children
