Forum Dedicated to World Children’s Day, Supported by the Ukrainian Red Cross
The forum, “Interregional Dialogue: A Happy Child in a Caring Family,” organised by the State Service of Ukraine for Children in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross, was held in Uzhhorod. The event, which took place on 20 November 2024, brought together representatives from children’s services across all regions of Ukraine.
The event aimed not only to discuss current challenges but also to establish a permanent platform for interagency dialogue, experience exchange, and close cooperation to improve child protection approaches and enhance their living conditions.
Petro Dobromilskyi, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Children, presented the concerning statistics, emphasising that the fate of Ukrainian children is deeply affected by these circumstances. Naturally, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the aggressor state has had a profound impact on these figures. The Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Children announced the figures for each year.
The number of orphans and children deprived of parental care who are under guardianship or care:
- 2020: 49,016 children
- 2021: 48,089 children
- 2022: 42,611 children
- 2023: 45,936 children
- 9 months of 2024: 44,739 children
The number of orphans and children deprived of parental care in foster families and family-type children’s homes:
- 2020: 12,781 children
- 2021: 13,000 children
- 2022: 11,116 children
- 2023: 12,166 children
- 9 months of 2024: 13,980 children
Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, stated in his video message:
“In the context of this brutal war, our children need more attention, care, and protection than ever before. No child should endure the hardships that have befallen them. Ukrainian children have the right to a safe home, a loving family, and a happy childhood. Instead, we witness enemy missiles relentlessly destroying their homes and, in some cases, taking lives. This is a deeply shocking reality, and we must do everything in our power to protect our children, for they are our future.”
The forum addressed key issues regarding the interaction between government agencies, cooperation with NGOs, and collaboration with international partners. Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, receive support, and obtain answers to their pressing questions.
The Ukrainian Red Cross, as the country’s largest humanitarian organisation, has been providing assistance to the most vulnerable populations, including children, for over a century. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 12.5 million people have received our support, and over 310,000 people, including families with children, have been evacuated and provided with essential assistance.
