NEW YORK, AUGUST 22 – Italy’s shared today the United Nations deep concern for the dire situation of children in Ukraine. Nearly 1,000 boys and girls have been killed or injured since the Russian invasion, UNICEF reported, but the real number is likely higher. “This war is a story no child should ever draw. This war must be stopped now”, the Italian Permanent Representative, Maurizio Massari, said on Twitter.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began nearly six months ago, and UNICEF has verified that at least 972 children, more than five a day, have been killed or injured by the violence, underscoring the urge t need for peace. “Once again, as in all wars, the reckless decisions of adults are putting children at extreme risk. There are no armed operations of this kind that do not result in children being harmed,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. Ms. Russell added that “we believe the true number to be much higher.”
She said most child casualties resulted from the use of explosive weapons, which “do not discriminate between civilian and combatant”, especially in populated areas, as has been the case in cities such as Mariupol, Luhansk, Kremenchuk, Vinnytsia, and elsewhere.
Meanwhile, almost every child in Ukraine has been exposed to deeply distressing events. Those fleeing violence are at significant risk of family separation, abuse, sexual exploitation, further attacks, and trafficking. UNICEF continues to call for an immediate ceasefire. Children also must be protected from harm, which includes ending the “brutal use” of explosive weapons in populated areas, as well as attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure.
“Ukraine’s children urgently need safety, stability, access to safe learning, child protection services, and psychosocial support,” said Ms. Russell. “But more than anything, Ukraine’s children need peace.” (@OnuItalia)
