Crisis in Ukraine

Impact on children.

The war in Ukraine is having a devastating impact on the country’s 7.5 million children. Humanitarian needs are multiplying by the hour as the fighting continues. Children are wounded (At least 17 children are killed during the operation of Russia) and deeply traumatized by the violence all around them. Families are terrified, in shock, and desperate for safety. The psychological distress as a result of Russia's military operation for children is huge.

Dozens of children are hiding in bomb shelters, basements, metro stations and other underground areas while others have fled their homes for neighbouring countries. For these children it is important to remain a form of structure and stability in their lives.

Taking care of adults' needs helps children

Children are no longer in school, they're no longer in a safe environment, still adults and parents try in their new reality to provide for some structure. So some teach and try to play games so they can experience "normality" whether that is playtime or having lessons. Of course this is beyond difficult for the adults who also suffer from trauma and fear. Such large-scale displacements could have lasting consequences for generations to come. We need to make sure this war ends.

The Fact (at the time of writing:

• The Ukraine crisis has displaced more than 6.5 million people since February 24, 2022.
• Over 400,000 children currently live in the conflict zone
• Child poverty rates are up more than 57% in the the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
• Since the beginning of the conflict, over 750 education facilities have become damaged.
• Nearly 3,370 civilians have been killed since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, with more than 7,000 more injured.

What can you do?

Although feelings of powerlessness and numbness set the tone, know that we can do something! Stay critical and donate to organizations with expertise in this field of work.
We strongly recommend the following organizations:

Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. They scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.

Save the Children
Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. Your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund can help provide children and families impacted by the conflict in Ukraine and around the world with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance. Together, we can protect children in crisis.

UNICEF
Unicef is working with partners to help vulnerable children and families with essential services – including health, education, protection, water and sanitation – as well as life-saving supplies. Help UNICEF to reach out to those families and donate.

We are Up To Do Good, what are you up to?

With the purchase of this friendly table called - The Four-Legged Friend- you support the aforementioned organizations.



Sources: hrw.org, savethechildren.org, unicef.org
Photo 1: savethechildren.org