UKRAINE

In Ukraine, the current war with Russia has forcibly displaced millions of young people. According to UNICEF, just one month into the conflict, 2.5 million children became internally displaced, and a further 1.8 million fled to neighboring countries such as Moldova.

When young people become violently displaced by war, more than homes are lost. Their communities are disrupted and their families are separated. In many cases, they are devastated by the death of their parents. Dealing with severe emotional trauma and having no means of supporting themselves, they become extremely vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking.

As the conflict in Ukraine unfolds, reports indicate an alarming increase in human trafficking victims. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally deported to reeducation camps, many of whom are now traumatized from their experiences. These children often lack the necessary psychosocial support to address their trauma.

Compounding the problem is the longstanding practice of institutionalizing children. Feeling abandoned and forced to contend with limited education and emotional development, these young people struggle to transition into adulthood. Attempts to improve their situation through such efforts as foster care often fall short.

There is a critical need for programs that provide psychosocial and skills training to address this continuing crisis. These programs can empower young people affected by war, fostering resilience and enabling them to integrate into society as productive and healthy adults. That’s why ChildVoice is working to provide our partner organizations in Ukraine with the training and support they need to serve displaced Ukrainian children effectively.