Ukraine

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine).

Europe’s second largest country, Ukraine, is home to roughly 43.8 million people. When the war with Russia began in February 2022, an estimated 14.3 million people were displaced from Ukraine within the country and to countries across Europe. While some have returned to the country, more that 7 million people remain internally displaced in Ukraine. Most of those who have been displaced are women and children, nearly a third of whom have been displaced more than once before, and almost 1 in 10 have been displaced three times or more.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Ukraine since 2003.

Children are at risk

Children and young people under the age of 18 constitute 18% of the population in Ukraine, totaling 7.9 million. Since the war started in February 2022, millions of children have endured months of devastation and displacement. Under these immensely stressful conditions, it is difficult to have exact numbers, but it estimated that over 1.5 million children are internally displaced and 3,100 children have lost parental care. In addition, 3.4 million children from Ukraine need special protection and assistance
17.6M
People are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance

Forced from home

According to the United Nations, it is estimated that around 17.6 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian support. Around 23% of those in need of support are children. Nearly two-thirds of children have had to flee their homes. Children who have been displaced are at an increased risk of poverty, malnutrition, abuse, neglect, separation from their families, violence, and trafficking. In the long-term, psychological distress and missed education threaten their future well-being and prospects.

5.7M
Children have had their education disrupted

Disrupted education

Over 3,000 education facilities, have suffered bombing and shelling, or have been completely destroyed. As a result, 2.6 million students are unable to go to school. Many schools are trying their very best to continue their teaching online. However, online learning is jeopardized by power blackouts and a lack of internet. Schools face the loss of teaching and technical material such as books and projectors. Unable to study, children face the long-term consequences of falling behind in their education, and social development.

1.5 M
Children need mental health support

Health

Life for the children in Ukraine has changed drastically since the war started. Most of those who have had to leave their homes behind are women and children. The majority of families have been separated. Children have had to leave behind the family, school, friends and life that they knew. They have had to adjust to a new, unpredictable situation that is full of insecurity. These children need specialized assistance so that they can begin to overcome all the difficulties they face.

Together we can make a difference for children in Ukraine

30,000
Adults and children
Were evacuated to safety within Ukraine
17,000
Mental health consultations
Were possible in Ukraine and neighouring countries
690
Displaced children
In our care
1,390
Foster families
Brought to safety outside Ukraine
When the war escalated in February 2022, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine quickly adapted its activities to the changing needs of children affected by the conflict. Our support focuses on children and young people. Here are two young children, in safety and able to draw together in the social center in Lviv (photo: S.Skjefstad).

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives