The non-governmental organization Save the Children warned that on Friday three children die or are injured every day in Ukraine because of Russia’s military intervention and which has a large number of psychological consequences.
The London-based organization said in a statement that since the last invasion of Russia in February last year, “25,000 civilian deaths” have been recorded, including 1,624 minors.
According to the Save the Children count, 532 children died and 1,092 were injured as a result of Russian military aggression.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) emphasizes that the figures indicate an average of “three victims (death or injured) of children per day” in Ukraine.
According to the NGO more than 90% of the cases are victims of explosive weapons with a long range and that they are “especially deadly” for children.
“Civilian buildings, including schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, should not be targeted under the laws of war. More than 1,600 children have been killed or injured in 500 days of war,” said Sonia Khush, director of Save the Children.
That has been indicated by the person responsible March 2022 was the deadliest month of the Russian invasion regarding children: more than 240 children killed and 260 injured.
The number of child victims has decreased, but children continue to die or become mutilated.
June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian children, with 54 minor victims in 2023.
The organization also points to last week’s attack on Kramatorsk, which killed 11 civilians, including two 14-year-old twin sisters and another teenager, according to data from the same NGO.
On the other hand, the NGO indicates that in addition to the constant threat of death or fear of physical harm, children in Ukraine are facing “significant” psychological distress caused by warnings of airstrikes, rocket attacks and bombings against the country.
“No child in Ukraine is safe. With the ever-present threat of missile strikes, there is a constant state of fear. This is the new normal for children. The risk to children’s mental health and long-term trauma cannot be underestimated,” stressed Khush.
Save the Children called on all parties to comply with “obligations under international law and human rights to protect civilians and civilian assets, especially those used by children, such as homes, schools and hospitals”..
Source: DN
