UNICEF Statement on the Impact of the Violence in Ukraine on Children

NEW YORK (February 20, 2014) - The impact of the heightened violence in Ukraine on children and their families is a matter of growing concern.  There have been reports of children being caught up and even injured in the violence in Kyiv.  UNICEF is seeking information to confirm these reports and is closely monitoring the situation as it affects children. All parties have a responsibility to keep children out of harm’s way.

Children are especially vulnerable in situations involving violent conflict. They are vulnerable not only to violence itself but also to the traumatic effects of witnessing such violence. Children can become separated from their parents in the chaos, and basic services become strained, among other threats to their wellbeing. In affected areas, some schools have already been closed and health facilities are more difficult to access. In such situations special care must be taken to support children.   

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.  

For additional information, please contact:

Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org