Eurochild stands in solidarity with the children of Ukraine
At Eurochild, we are devastated by the invasion of Ukraine and the outbreak of war.
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.
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca
Eurochild President
Jana Hainsworth
Eurochild Secretary General
