After almost three years of war, rocket attacks on civilians in Ukraine are part of everyday life. Day after day, they cause death, destruction and unimaginable suffering.
The Russian invasion on 24 February 2022 escalated the conflict that had been smouldering in eastern Ukraine since 2014. In the meantime, a third of the Ukrainian population had fled. Ukraine thus became the scene of the world's largest displacement crisis.
More than 3.6 million people are currently displaced within the country. More than 6.7 million people from Ukraine have found refuge abroad. Of these, around 6.2 million people are now living in European countries as refugees.
UNICEF has been there for children and their families in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. The protection of children, young people and women is one of the focal points of UNICEF's emergency aid.
For example, UNICEF has set up child-friendly spaces, known as ‘spilnos’, in the communities to offer the children of the communities and the children who have fled there a protective environment in which they can feel comfortable and take part in activities to reduce stress and trauma.
Psychological support, medical counselling and vaccinations as well as learning opportunities are provided. The women and children receive information on how to access local social services.
Mobile teams of psychologists, social workers, lawyers and doctors also visit the 'spilnos' to offer special counselling and support.
As part of the ‘Better Care’ reform, UNICEF is also working to ensure that children evacuated from orphanages at the beginning of the war are either reunited with their own families when they return to Ukraine, or are taken in by adoptive or foster families.
Young people who will soon come of age receive special support to help them make the transition to an independent life and ensure their safety.
More than 6 million people have fled from Ukraine to other European countries. Most of these refugees are women and children who are particularly at risk of becoming victims of violence or abuse - especially if they are minors who have been separated from relatives during their flight.
UNICEF also supports the local social authorities in neighbouring countries in providing children and young people with the support they need. Blue Dot Centres continue to play an important role in providing help and advice to children and families on the move.
Help is pooled in the Blue Dot centres and they also make it possible to identify and support unaccompanied minors or young women in need of protection.
‘I had the opportunity to travel to Kiev and also visit the school in Butscha, which we are helping to rebuild. This trip had a lasting impact on my life. It was a deeply moving experience.
For many of us, the war often seems like something far away, but it is only a few hours' flight away from us.
Millions of people from Ukraine are on the run, especially women and children.
On my way to Kiev, I sat on the train with many women and was able to get a sense of the fear, horror and danger to which women and children are exposed. This alone was very upsetting to witness.’
Women and children are most at risk of sexual and labour exploitation as well as forced criminality or other criminal activities in this terrible war. The many unaccompanied minors in particular are at great risk.
Our Ukrainian friends still urgently need our continued support. That is why this year we would like to support the UNICEF project for the protection of Ukrainian children and women on the run. It is very important to us.
Help us, to draw attention to this. It is a matter close to our hearts !
Every support helps and protects women, girls and children!
Yours
sincerely
Linsenhoff-Stiftung - IBAN: DE33 5125 0000 0055 0129 97
Intended use: "UNICEF Ukraine Aid - Protection for Refugees"