Statement of Solidarity from Children of Heroes on the Remembrance of the Independence Day of Ukraine
Freedom is fought and will be won for Ukraine’s children. Today, we honor the strength and bravery of Ukraine and Ukrainians as they continue to stand against attacks on their freedom and sovereignty.
Children of Heroes, an international charity organization that has helped over 5,900 children in Ukraine, calls on the global community to act as stewards for Ukraine’s children. Due to Putin’s war crimes, up to 50 children join the Charity’s assistance programs every day. By the end of 2023, we estimate that there will be up to 10,000 children under our care. The needs of Ukraine’s children also go beyond the material. Educational, psychological and developmental interventions are needed to ease their trauma.
Putin’s war is a war against children. According to United Nations data, at least 501 children have been killed and 991 injured as of June 2023. Due to the war, 3.5 million children have ‘severe to catastrophic needs’ that must be addressed. Additionally, 19,500 Ukrainian children were forcibly displaced from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the war – the exact toll remains elusive since some parents have lost touch with their children or were killed by Russian invaders.
Children of Heroes calls for a global community of care for the children of Ukraine. States must reinforce and continue sanctions against Russia and come together for stronger interventions to protect children from the crimes of war.
More resources are needed from private organizations and individuals for the most basic needs of Ukrainian children under our care to instill normalcy in their lives. Together, we must educate the world’s youth of their active role in peacekeeping.
Putin and the Russian invaders are attempting to rob a nation of a prosperous, peaceful and sovereign future – together, we protect Ukraine’s children against them. Like their fallen parents, children under our care are heroes in their own right. Today, the world fights alongside them.
