UNICEF is seeking US$ 66.4 million to provide access to basic services including water and sanitation, immunization and health care, schooling and learning, psychosocial support, and emergency cash assistance for up to 7.5 million children.
The direct and indirect effect of the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to significantly impact the lives of children and young people, leaving families on both sides of the contact line in urgent need of sustained humanitarian assistance. Critical water, sanitation, electrical and heating facilities, and school infrastructure have been damaged and are dilapidated, while access to learning is challenged by inadequate teaching methodologies. As a result, children's access to safe shelter, water, and schooling are threatened.
In non-government-controlled areas, schools have been closed since 21 February and there is no information on when schools will re-open or on alternative learning modalities. More than 350,000 school children currently have no access to education. In government-controlled areas, the Ministry of Education reported that 33 schools with over 5,500 students are closed for face-to-face learning due to insecurity in areas along the line of contact. Other schools in Donetsk and Luhansk are open, with the exception of those facilities that are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The current military operation will only worsen impact on children and their access to basic services.
Children and their families require systematic protection services including to address gender-based violence, violence against children and to access psychosocial care. Mine risk education and mine victim assistance are critical as explosive ordnance contamination remains a major source of threat to life, safety and stability.
Access to quality health care services, including immunization, HIV/AIDS support, and emergency medical services remains limited, and the already weakened health system continues to be severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Child poverty has increased. Limited freedom of movement continues to curtail access to social benefits and services, civil documentation, and critical winterization needs.
UNICEF, together with partners, is at the forefront of the humanitarian response and continues to reach vulnerable children and families affected by protracted conflict with essential services. In government-controlled areas, UNICEF’s work with partners is being implemented with some disruptions due to the deteriorating security situation. In non-government-controlled areas, interventions are interrupted due to frequent shelling. UNICEF has staff in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kramatorsk, Mariupol, and Kyiv. A summary of the main areas of work include:
• Health
• Water and Sanitation
• Child Protection
• Education
• Social Protection
• Supply and Logistics
Photo: ©UNICEF/UN0581420/Filippov
