Ukrainian children from the occupied territories continue to fight for knowledge: more than 11 thousand became students in 2024
Even in the most difficult conditions of war and occupation, Ukrainian children do not lose their desire for knowledge. They overcome numerous obstacles to get quality education in Ukraine. Despite all the risks and difficulties, young people from the temporarily occupied territories (TOTs) find ways to enter Ukrainian institutions of higher education, demonstrating an unprecedented will to study. In 2024, this trend became particularly noticeable: the number of applicants from TOT who entered Ukrainian universities increased by more than seven times compared to last year.
Record growth in the number of students from TOT
According to official information, in 2024, 11,000 children from TOT became students of Ukrainian institutions of higher education. This number made public The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, on February 12.
If compared with 2023, then only 1,608 people entered. Such a significant increase is explained, in particular, by the close cooperation of the state and public organizations, which actively inform and help young people to get an education in Ukraine. However, as Lubinets noted, the situation for children in TOT remains extremely difficult, and without additional initiatives it will be difficult to ensure equal access to education.
“Today I presented to the public a special report on access to education for children and youth from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
This document not only analyzes the current situation, but also proposes concrete steps to achieve real results in the area of access to education for children and youth with SEN.
The report was prepared based on the work of experts, including representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office, central executive bodies, non-governmental organizations, higher education institutions and students.
The document is the first Special Report, which, in addition to recommendations, also contains the expected results of their implementation and indicators of achievement.” Lubinets said.
Obstacles on the way to education
The Ombudsman emphasized that children with TOT face numerous difficulties. The main problems are:
- Limited possibilities of movement through the occupied territories.
- Persecution of young people for wanting to get an education in Ukraine.
- Lack of a clear legal framework for effective protection of their educational rights.
In addition, among the factors affecting the situation there is a certain subjective perception of TOT within the country. Some Ukrainian educational institutions are still not fully adapted to the needs of students who are forced to study in conditions of limited access to resources and physical isolation.
Recommendations for solving the problem
In his report, Lubinets presented 29 recommendations for central executive authorities, which aim to create effective mechanisms of access to education for young people with TOT. Among the main proposals is the development and approval of the Concept of Access to Education for Children and Youth from the Temporarily Occupied Territories. This will make it possible to implement the necessary measures at the state level to overcome the barriers faced by applicants from the occupied regions.
It is also emphasized the need to:
- Simplification of admission procedures to Ukrainian universities for children with TOT.
- Provision of targeted financial support for students from the occupied territories.
- Provision of safe evacuation routes and transfer of applicants.
- Improving online education and distance learning for children who cannot leave TOT.
Further steps
The Ombudsman noted that all recommendations will be sent to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries, as well as other central and local executive bodies. He assured that he would personally monitor their implementation and implementation.
Despite the occupation and difficult circumstances, thousands of Ukrainian children are doing everything they can to get a quality education. Their choice is a clear indication that the Ukrainian identity, culture and future of the country remain unbreakable. Even in the darkest times, education remains one of the most powerful tools in the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine.
