The Coalition of NGOs for the Protection of Children in Kosovo – KOMF as part of the international network Eurochild which consists of coalitions for the protection of children in Europe, is deeply concerned about the situation of children in Ukraine and stands in solidarity with all children and organizations for child protection.

Read the full statement of Eurochild:

At Eurochild, we are devastated by the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

We stand in solidarity with all the children and organisations we have worked with over the years.  We trust your work to protect and promote children’s rights will not be in vain. War will undoubtedly bring hardship and pain for all children.  It will be particularly difficult for children who were already vulnerable, the 100,000 children growing up in institutions without parental care.   

Our lives are interconnected. The suffering of Ukraine’s children is our suffering too. We know this war will have knock-on effects throughout Europe, at a time when the pandemic has already deepened inequalities and damaged social cohesion.

Russia and Ukraine have both ratified the UNCRC, which clearly states in its preamble that for a child to be able fully prepared to live an individual life in society, they must be brought up …“in the spirit of dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity”.

At Eurochild we have a vision of a society where all children grow up happy, healthy, confident and respected as individuals in their own right. We believe respect for children’s rights is the foundation of peace and prosperity. Our collective future depends on children growing up in an environment free of fear. This includes the children of Ukraine. 

As a network of organisations and individuals committed to protect and promote the human rights of children, we stand united against war. We are calling on Russia to stop the escalation of war in Ukraine and on the international community to support all measures that protect children’s lives and wellbeing.

Photo: Eurochild