Around 4.3 million Ukrainian children have been displaced by war in the country, UNICEF says.
That number is about half of all the children in Ukraine and includes 1.8 children who have gone to other countries, and 2.5 million who are internally displaced, UNICEF says.
“The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come. Children’s safety, well-being and access to essential services are all under threat from nonstop horrific violence.”
Some 78 children have been killed in the war, while 105 have been injured, according to OHCHR.
UNICEF says many children are facing food shortages and that they’ve seen a drop-off in regular child vaccinations for measles and polio.
“In just a few weeks, the war has wrought such devastation for Ukraine’s children,” said Russell. “Children urgently need peace and protection. They need their rights. UNICEF continues to appeal for an immediate cease-fire and for the protection of children from harm. Essential infrastructure on which children depend, including hospitals, schools and buildings sheltering civilians, must never come under attack.”
