March 4, 2022 – Russia’s military operations in Ukraine have already driven millions of children out of their homes, some children fleeing to neighboring countries across national borders, and safe in underground shelters. Some children are looking for. It has been reported that at least 17 children have been killed so far.
But intensifying violence is at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate emergencies, and fallout from the world’s worst hunger crisis of the century, children in need in other countries. Is also set to affect.
Save the Children outlines three ways children outside Eastern Europe can be affected by the Ukrainian crisis.
1) Risk of hunger
Global reliance on wheat supply in Russia and Ukraine, which will account for more than a quarter of the world’s wheat in 2019, cuts off this staple food for already vulnerable populations such as Yemen and Lebanon and soars prices May cause you to. In Lebanon, up to 80% of wheat imports come from Russia and Ukraine.
The world is already facing the worst global famine crisis of the century, with an estimated 45 million people in 43 countries at risk of famine, up from 27 million in 2019. This has always had a devastating effect on the most vulnerable children. Food crisis. By 2020, about 50 million children under the age of five were severely malnourished.[i]..
Save the Children said the immediate end of violence in Ukraine is already devastating for non-European children and families who not only protect domestic children but also rely on exports for survival. Said that it would prevent the deterioration of.
2) mental health
Obviously, Ukrainian children suffer the most psychological distress as a result of Russian military operations. But our digital age means that anyone with access to television, radio, newspapers, computers, or phones will be aware of the conflict and begin to understand its implications for other children. increase. How do you talk to your child about war?
Ann Remche, a psychologist and child counselor at Save the Children, said:What is happening in Ukraine can be scary for both children and adults. Ignoring or avoiding topics can cause children to get lost, become more scared alone, and affect their health and well-being. It is essential to have an open and honest conversation with the children to help them handle what is happening. “
Parents and guardians can read more tools and tips here to engage in conversations with their children.
3) Energy poverty
Russia’s dependence on oil and gas has become clearer in the world, especially in Europe, as Brent crude oil costs have skyrocketed to their highest levels since 2012 and natural gas contracts have increased incredibly 35%. ..[ii].. Europe depends on Russia for 40% of its natural gas supply.
Save the Children has already warned that these rising prices will add to the already rising cost of living crisis in the UK.
Dan Paskins, director of Save the Children’s UK Impact, said: “The prospect of higher energy prices than already predicted is very worrisome for low-income households. Millions of parents can keep their families afloat in the coming months. I think it might be.
“We have already seen families have to make impossible choices between warming their homes and feeding their children. The parents we work with As energy prices rise further, more children will need to live in cold, damp homes, sleep hungry, grow and prosper. I miss the opportunity. “
The Children’s Emergency Fund allows Save the Children to respond wherever they need it most to quickly deliver to their children the necessities they need to survive.
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Note to the editor:
- Save the Children has been active in Ukraine since 2014, providing essential humanitarian assistance to children and their families. This can support access to education, provide psychosocial support, distribute winter kits and hygiene kits, allow families to meet basic needs such as food, rent, medicine, or invest in new businesses. Includes the provision of cash grants to help you.
- We currently have a team in Poland that coordinates with local partners to assess the situation and respond to needs as quickly as possible. In Romania, Save the Children staff and volunteers assist refugees arriving from Ukraine to borders and reception centers, providing basic non-food and other outreach services.
- Save the Children has for many years worked with refugee and migrant children both inside and outside Europe to help vulnerable children with the greatest needs. We operate a reception center that offers child-friendly activities and are committed to informing children about their rights in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy and Norway. In Italy, we support migrant efforts, train temporary legal guardians to assist children during asylum procedures, and work with UN agencies to ensure the protection of unaccompanied migrant children.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Wight @ savethechildren.org
Contact media outside business hours (BST) at media@savethechildren.org.uk/+44 (0) 7831 650409
