UNICEF: More than half of Ukraine’s children have been displaced since the start of the Russian invasion

More than half of Ukraine’s children have been displaced from their homes since the start of the Russian invasion of their country on February 24, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced today (Thursday).

“A month of war in Ukraine has displaced 4.3 million children, more than half of the country’s estimated 7.5 million children,” UNICEF said in a statement. She explained that 1.8 million children were displaced from the country and became refugees, and 2.5 million children were displaced within Ukraine.

“The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II,” said Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF. And she warned that this occurrence “may have lasting repercussions on future generations.” “Children’s security, well-being and access to basic services are all under threat from the ongoing horrific violence,” she added.

UNICEF confirmed that 81 children were killed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and 108 were wounded, stressing that the real toll is much higher.

The World Health Organization has verified 64 attacks on health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulances, since the beginning of the invasion.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Education reported damage to more than 500 schools and other educational facilities, according to UNICEF.

According to figures from the United Nations Children’s Fund, about 1.4 million people lack access to safe drinking water, while 4.6 million people have limited access to water or are at risk of being cut off from water.

“More than 450,000 children between the ages of six and 23 months need supplemental nutritional support,” UNICEF said. It also warned against noticing a decrease in the rates of routine vaccination of children, including vaccination against measles and polio, which “may quickly lead to the spread of diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, especially in densely populated areas where the population has taken refuge to escape acts of violence.”

The IAEA renewed its appeal for an immediate ceasefire and to protect children from harm.

“Children are in urgent need of peace and protection,” Russell said. They need their rights.”