Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the fate of many children remains unknown. They are officially listed as missing, and the scale of this tragedy is staggering and highlights the complexity of the humanitarian situation in the country. Missing children are not only numbers, but also personal stories that require special attention from state institutions, the public and the international community. Specialised centres and organisations are involved in the effective search for missing children, combining the efforts of law enforcement agencies and civil society initiatives. Leonid Tymchenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, spoke about this problem, noting that all data is collected in the Unified Register of Persons Missing in Special Circumstances.
The scale of the problem
According to Leonid Tymchenko, according to the Unified Register of Missing Persons, more than 1,700 children are currently listed as missing. This problem reflects the terrible reality that Ukraine is facing because of the war: children deprived of their familiar environment, separated from their families or captured by the enemy. According to the latest data, a significant number of cases of disappearances occur in the area of active hostilities, in the temporarily occupied territories, or during evacuations.
Specialised centres for searching for children
Specialised centres have been set up across the country at the Main Directorates of the National Police in regional centres to search for missing children. Investigators, criminal investigation operatives and commissioners for missing persons work together in these centres. This coordinated interaction makes it possible to organise searches not only within the regions, but also throughout Ukraine, which increases the chances of finding missing children. If necessary, representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine are involved in the search process.
Information support and appeals from citizens
Anyone who is looking for missing children or has information about their possible whereabouts can contact the police or use hotlines. The National Police recommends contacting the nearest Main Department of the National Police or the hotline at 0 800 103 333. In addition, there is the National Information Bureau, which receives information via the short number 1648, which allows people from abroad to call +38 (044) 287-81-65.
Other ways of communication available to citizens:
- Viber chatbot: nib_uncp_bot
- E-mail: info@nib.gov.ua
- Messenger on the Bureau’s Facebook page: nib.gov.ua
- Online form on the official website: nib.gov.ua
Challenges and obstacles in the search process
Unfortunately, the process of searching for children is significantly complicated due to security restrictions, communication disruptions, access to the occupied territories and lack of clear information. Many children may have been taken to other regions or even to Russia, making the process of identification even more difficult. Minors are often unable to disclose their whereabouts, which necessitates the creation of additional mechanisms for their tracing and protection.The role of the international community and organisations in supporting the search for missing children
The international community also plays an important role in the search for Ukrainian children. International organisations, such as the UN, UNICEF, and the Red Cross, are actively working to investigate and collect information on the displacement of children. They provide expert support in search operations and legal support.
Ukraine is facing an urgent need to strengthen security measures and prevent children from going missing in the future. It is necessary to improve evacuation mechanisms, create safe places for children to stay during hostilities, and expand psychological and social assistance. It is important to provide quick access to information resources for parents and guardians facing this problem.
The problem of missing children in Ukraine is a tragedy that requires an immediate response and joint efforts from the state, the public and the international community. The involvement of specialised centres and the creation of effective communication channels help to identify the whereabouts of children, but only a comprehensive approach and support at all levels can ensure the restoration of connections and safety for the most vulnerable citizens of Ukraine.
