A call for the protection of children and families
Joint Statement on Ukraine from The International Network on Peace Building with Young Children
There are approximately 7.5 million children in Ukraine, many of which are experiencing the devastation of this war. The United Nations has estimated that nearly 1 million women and children have escaped Ukraine, 100,000 individuals have been displaced across the country, and many children have fled with their families to subways and shelters to avoid the growing number and the continued impact of bombs. Ukraine’s Minister of Defence stated that up to 5 million Ukrainian refugees could flee the country. Families are also being separated, where men of fighting age, as young as 18, have been told to stay and fight. First hand reports of children fearing for their lives and the impact that this is causing on their mental well-being are beginning to emerge.
A generation of children are at risk for having devastating physical, socioemotional, and cognitive consequences over the course of their entire lives. Safeguarding the young children impacted by the current crisis and prioritizing their survival, developmental potential, and protection is not only necessary to alleviate suffering and uphold their rights in accordance with the Convention of the Rights of the Child, but can also drive economic recovery and build a strong foundation for peace and security, resilience, social justice, and social cohesion.
We, the International Network on Peace Building with Young Children expect the UN Agencies, the EU Parliament and Commission and individual governments around the world to take every possible action to end this conflict now.
We, the International Network on Peace Building with Young Children stand ready to lend our expertise and support to planners and implementers of the humanitarian response. Our partners have started contributing programmatic, funding, and scientific research expertise in support of young children and families across the globe, and we are committed to assessing how best to support families affected by these recent developments. We affirm that holistic early childhood development services are still critical to mitigate the current and long-term impact of the adversities facing the residents of Ukraine, particularly the most vulnerable young children and families. This includes expanded investments in nurturing care as a core part of development assistance, emergency response, and in humanitarian action.
The science heralds a new era, asserting that Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a vital opportunity for building a sustainable future fit for the Ukrainian and the world’s children and empowering them through promoting The Culture of Peace, as called for by the United Nations (UN Resolution A/RES/74/21).
The international community must act now to minimize the impact that this conflict will have on the lives of young children and their families. We stand ready to support and protect young children and their families.
For further information contact:
The International Network on Peace Building with Young Children Secretariat at Early Years - the Organisation for Young Children