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EDYN supports UNICEF to scale up its humanitarian response on the ground in Ukraine and as well to assist people on the move. The situation in Ukraine is placing millions of children and their families across the country in immediate danger. Help is needed now.
The situation
One month of the war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children – more than half of the country’s estimated 7.5 million child population. This includes more than 1.8 million children who have crossed into neighboring countries as refugees and 2.5 million who are now internally displaced inside Ukraine.
“The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
An estimated 1.4 million people now lack access to safe water, while 4.6 million people have limited access to water or are at risk of being cut off. Over 450,000 children aged 6 to 23 months need complementary food support.
UNICEF has already observed a reduction in vaccination coverage for routine and childhood immunizations, including measles and polio. This could quickly lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in overcrowded areas where people are sheltering from the violence.
UNICEF and its partners are working to reach children in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries with humanitarian assistance
In Ukraine, UNICEF has delivered medical supplies to 49 hospitals in 9 regions – including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Lviv – improving access to healthcare for 400,000 mothers, newborns and children. UNICEF continues to distribute water and hygiene items in communities under siege. In addition, UNICEF is increasing the number of mobile child protection teams working inside acute conflict zones from 22 to 50 and has delivered 63 trucks of lifesaving supplies to support the needs of over 2.2 million people. In the coming weeks, UNICEF will start emergency cash transfers to the most vulnerable families and establish child friendly spaces in key locations across the country.
The time to act is NOW
“When partners, like EDYN, respond quickly to our humanitarian appeal, it helps us to act swiftly and provide assistance for those that need it most. In crises, timing is everything.” Maria Sliacka, Executive Director UNICEF Slovakia
“In times like this the unity and solidarity EDYN promotes are put on trial. Our youth network from over 23 countries comes together to gather and provide the assistance Ukraine needs. We invite all European youth, as individuals and organizations, to join our efforts.”
Valeriu Drăgălin, President of the European Democracy Youth Network
Learn more about UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for children appeal for Ukraine here.
Your donation to EDYN’s appeal will help UNICEF reach more children affected by the crisis. Please donate TODAY and help us protect children in Ukraine.
Recently when the EDYN Leadership Council met in Bratislava at the EDYN HQ. By signing a Memorandum, the LC members commit to their utmost capacity to ensure the UNICEF´s public fundraiser will have been supported in the countries they represent and undertake to promote the fundraiser nationally as well as internationally.
