WIREDGOV

UNICEF is deeply concerned about the unrest in Ukraine and its damaging impact on the lives of children. We know that children have been involved in violent demonstrations and we are examining reports of children being killed and injured in Odessa. UNICEF condemns these grave violations of children’s rights in the strongest possible terms.

UNICEF reports an increase in the demand for psychosocial services for children alongside the disruption of access to education and health services. It is dangerous and detrimental to a child’s health and wellbeing to be witness to or become swept up in violence. UNICEF calls on all parties to do their utmost to maintain services for children and their families, and to make sure that children are not involved or used in demonstrations or witnesses to violence. 

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Claire Blackburn, UNICEF UK, + 44 (0)20 7375 6261 claireb@unicef.org.uk 

ABOUT UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity, supported entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any money from the UN. For more information, please visit unicef.org.uk