78 years in defense of children’s happiness: how UNICEF helps Ukrainian children during the war
On December 11, the world celebrates the Foundation Day of UNICEF – an organization that has become a symbol of care and support for the smallest and most vulnerable. Founded in 1946 as a temporary initiative to help children affected by the Second World War, UNICEF has grown into a global institution working in more than 190 countries around the world. The organization not only responds to crisis situations, but also systematically develops programs to improve the living conditions of children. Now in its 78th year, UNICEF plays a key role in meeting the humanitarian needs of children, including those affected by the war in Ukraine.
History and mission of UNICEF
When World War II ended, Europe and many other regions were left in ruins, and millions of children were deprived of homes, food, and medical care. The United Nations created the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as a temporary mechanism to deal with these problems. However, the need for such an organization did not disappear over time – on the contrary, it grew. Today, UNICEF not only helps children affected by war and natural disasters, but also deals with issues of education, health care, water supply, protection of children’s rights and equality.
Support for Ukrainian children during the war
After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, UNICEF became actively involved in helping children and families at the epicenter of the humanitarian crisis. The organization provided a wide range of support, covering education, health care, psychological rehabilitation and basic survival needs.
The war brought incredible stress and trauma to Ukrainian children. UNICEF has created hundreds of psychological support centers where children and their families can receive expert advice. For example, the organization organized mobile groups of psychologists who work in frontline areas and places where displaced persons are located.
Millions of Ukrainian children have lost access to regular school education due to the destruction of schools and danger in the war zone. UNICEF supports distance learning programs, provides schools with mobile classrooms, educational kits and laptops. Thanks to this, more than 2 million Ukrainian children were able to continue their education even in difficult conditions.
The organization supplies vaccines, medicines and equipment to hospitals that continue to work in difficult conditions. Special attention is paid to protecting children from measles, poliomyelitis and other infectious diseases. In addition, UNICEF provides access to clean water in regions where infrastructure has been destroyed.
Tens of thousands of families received food kits, baby food, clothes and hygiene products. The organization also actively works with internally displaced persons, providing temporary housing, blankets and other necessary support.
UNICEF implements programs for children with special needs who have been denied access to rehabilitation and specialized care due to war. For example, in cooperation with partners, rehabilitation centers were created for children who were injured or traumatized.
UNICEF’s role in global support
On the day of its 78th anniversary, UNICEF received words of gratitude from the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmytro Lubinets, who emphasized the role of the foundation in protecting children’s rights:
“Today we welcome our reliable partner and world leader in the protection of children’s rights. UNICEF changes the lives of millions of children, helping them build a better future. The Foundation actively helps Ukraine by meeting the humanitarian needs of children, supporting families and facilitating access to the most necessary services. Together we will be able to create a safe and dignified environment for the most vulnerable children and to support them on the road to recovery after a terrible war.”
UNICEF remains an example of how the international community can come together to protect the most vulnerable. The foundation’s work in Ukraine is just one of many initiatives that change the world for the better every day. This day is a reminder that every child deserves protection, education and a chance for a happy future, regardless of their circumstances. Ukrainian children suffering from war trauma are receiving hope and support thanks to UNICEF initiatives, which shows how important the world’s solidarity is in the face of tragedies.
