Children and families in eastern Ukraine have long suffered from the effects of armed conflict and political and social unrest. Now that the conflict is entering its eighth year, the risk of a further escalation in fighting has captured the world’s attention.
Some of the most vulnerable children live on the “line of contact”, a strip of land that separates government-controlled and non-government-controlled areas where the fighting is heaviest. In addition to the fighting, these communities are also dealing with the ongoing pandemic.
In December, UNICEF reported that limited access to essential services threatened the mental and physical well-being of Ukrainian children. Over 3.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, 60% of whom are women and children.
Since the end of 2021, the security situation along the line of contact has become more volatile and further escalation may be on the horizon.
What does the conflict mean for Ukrainian children?
- More than 510,000 children continue to be affected by armed conflict.
- Damaged hydraulic infrastructure threatens access to drinking water for more than 4 million people.
- Nearly 400,000 children are go to school near the contact line.
