Advocacy for a coordinated and safe response for the mental health and psychosocial needs of children affected by the conflict in Ukraine

The ongoing military actions in Ukraine pose an immediate and growing threat to the lives and well-being of at least 7.5 million children. This situation creates further challenges for many children and adolescents already struggling after nearly 8 years of conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has had a devastating impact on their mental health and well-being. Beyond the direct ones, there are also indirect effects associated with a profound and potentially long-lasting impact on the psychological well-being of an entire generation of children.

Following the Ukraine conflict, humanitarian needs are dramatically escalating and spreading. As of June 30, 2022, at least 343 children have been killed and more than 635 injured since the beginning of the armed conflict. Furthermore, 12 million people have been displaced, with more than 6 million Ukrainian refugees, mainly women and children, who have fled across international borders. Among those fleeing, many are unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors without parental care and protection, exposing them to a heightened risk of trafficking, abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence, even after being in the care of responsible authorities in the destination country.