Impunity for crimes against children must end

The first of June is the International Day for Protection of Children in Ukraine and all afflicted regions.

According to UNICEF, more than 262 children have died in Ukraine as a result of a new phase of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine since February 24, 2022. More than 446 children get injured of varying severity, including limb amputation. Many were left without parents and relatives. Most deaths were caused by attacks using explosive weapons in populated areas. 621 children are currently in Russian filtration camps.

Many families have become internally displaced, and thousands of children are now abroad. 94,000 children received the status of a child affected by hostilities and armed conflict. Most of them suffered serious traumatic experiences.

These events can cause difficulties in a child’s mental health and accompany him or her for a longer period of life.

The educational process, physical education, games on playgrounds, vacations, communication with peers are the usual things for a peaceful life which now in the past.

UNICEF warns that three million children inside Ukraine and over 2.2 million children in refugee-hosting countries are now in need of humanitarian assistance. Almost two out of every three children have been displaced by fighting.

Children fleeing the war are at significant risk of separation from their families, violence, abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

These children are in dire need of security, stability, protection and psychosocial support – especially for those who have been separated from their families.

The UN Security Council identified the Six Grave Violations against children during armed conflict due to their especially egregious nature and severe impact on a child’s wellbeing.

1. Killing or maiming
2. Recruitment or use of child soldiers
3. Rape and other forms of sexual violence
4. Abduction
5. Attacks against schools or hospitals
6. Denial of humanitarian access

It is important to consolidate efforts on the inevitability of punishment for all perpetrators of war crimes.

Impunity for crimes against children must end.

No child should experience the horrors of war.

Children deported to Russia must be repatriated.

Photo: UNICEF/UN0597997/Skyba for The Globe and Mail