The need remains enormous
For three years, war has raged in Ukraine – three years of fear, violence and destruction. For millions of children, this means a life without security and proper access to education or medical care. The youngest have known nothing but a state of emergency. Their entire childhood is overshadowed by bombings, displacement and hardship. Yet the children and families in Ukraine show incredible resilience. They urgently need our support to process their trauma and build a future.
Violence & destruction
The war threatens an entire generation
The consequences of the war are devastating:
- One in five children has lost a family member or friend
- 669 children have been killed and 1.854 injured – in 2024 alone, the number of victims has risen by 57%.
- Over 5,1 million children have been displaced from their homes
- 40% of preschool-aged children have no access to early childhood education
- 5,4 million people live in areas littered with explosive remnants of war – access to schools, hospitals and homes is life-threatening
Lost childhood. Lost future?
The war has severely damaged essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and water supply systems. Over 2.200 attacks on health facilities have made access to medical care extremely difficult for millions of children.
The education system is also seriously affected: Hundreds of schools have been destroyed, many are closed, and 40% of children do not receive regular in-person schooling. Beyond the physical damage, the war leaves deep psychological wounds. Fear, loss, and uncertainty weigh on children, while a lack of social interaction and education threatens their mental well-being and their future.
UNICEF: Help now and for the future
We alleviate the suffering of children in Ukraine with emergency aid and long-term support. In acute crises, we ensure access to clean drinking water, food, medical care, education and winter clothing. Our mobile teams provide healthcare and psychosocial support to traumatized children.
In the long term, we work on rebuilding and stabilizing essential structures and systems. We repair schools, equip them with learning materials and support teachers to ensure children continue to receive education and have prospects despite the war. Investing in children’s future means investing in a strong Ukraine of tomorrow.
UNICEF’s Help in 2024
We provide humanitarian aid to people in Ukraine as well as those who have fled to host countries. In Ukraine alone last year, we:
- Assisted 9,8 million people, including 2,5 million children, with humanitarian aid
- Provided more than 480.000 children with better access to education (formal & non-formal)
- Offered psychosocial support to 760.000 people (children, caregivers, aid workers)
- Improved access to clean drinking water for 5,8 million people
- Provided medical care to over 1,2 million children and women
- Educated over 1,2 million people on the dangers of explosive remnants of war
