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Exactly one year ago, on February 24th 2022, catastrophic violence erupted in Ukraine. Since then, 6,919 civilians have been killed and 11,075 have been injured.
Good Neighbors condemns the indiscriminate brutality against civilians and targeting of civilian infrastructure. We demand an immediate cessation of hostilities and urge parties to the conflict to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. We join international agencies in calling for safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
As a child rights and child protection organization, Good Neighbors is especially distraught over the plight of Ukrainian children. 429 have been killed and another 808 have been injured. According to UNHCR data, around 36% or 2.88 million of the 8 million refugees that have fled Ukraine are children. Furthermore, of the 5.4 million internally-displaced Ukrainians, 26.5% or 1.43 million are estimated to be children.
Good Neighbors stresses belligerent parties’ obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Security Council resolutions on Children and Armed Conflict, the Principle of Distinction, and the Safe Schools Declaration.
Good Neighbors is concerned about the physical, psychological and emotional safety of children. Thousands of them have witnessed traumatic events, as emphasized by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska. They have seen death and violence, have been forced to escape their homes, and have been separated from loved ones. Destruction of core infrastructure in Ukraine as well as multiple barriers in refugee host countries have disrupted access to education.
Good Neighbors calls on the international society, public authorities in refugee host countries, partner organizations, and experts to join forces and continue supporting access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services and education for Ukrainian children.
As the war evolves into a protracted crisis and uncertainty grows, millions of Ukrainians deserve clear answers that will help them make informed decisions about their future. Good Neighbors commends the heartfelt international response to the Ukrainian situation, while recognizing that much more must be done. Of the over 6 billion USD needed for humanitarian aid, only about 4 billion USD are funded.18 million people are in need of humanitarian aid and protection. We urge donors and governments around the world to step up their support and pay closer attention to the long-term well-being of affected populations, including by means of integration support, access to education, livelihood opportunities, and MHPSS.
Recognizing the severe social and economic damages inflicted to Ukraine and its population, Good Neighbors calls for the restoration of peace not only as an end to human suffering, but also as an opportunity to rebuild hope and communities disrupted by conflict.
Snapshot on Good Neighbors' work in Ukraine and Romania
Good Neighbors takes pride in its work in response to the Ukrainian crisis. Since March 3rd 2022, our staff, volunteers, and partners1 have been on the ground across multiple border locations of Romania or otherwise supported our effort with a budget of $6.6 million. We have supplied 92,387 households with basic relief items in a dozen oblasts across Ukraine, shipped medicines and medical equipment to over 80,081 people, provided cash assistance to 1,442 Ukrainians in Romania, supported another 945 with housing expenses, and offered transport services from Romanian border sites to 2,351 refugees. To facilitate integration and local schooling opportunities, we have assisted 2,230 children with Romanian language courses. True to our commitment to child protection, we have also provided first aid MHPSS services to 15,449 children transiting across border points, visiting UNICEF’s Blue Dots, or residing in Romanian border towns.
Please see the details in the annex 1. GOOD NEIGHBORS UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN SNAPSHOT (1 March 2022 - 23 February 2023)
Contact: Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center (gngpc@goodneighbors.org)
Special gratitude and recognition to the authors and contributors of this paper: Good Neighbors International Cooperation Office in Geneva, Global Partnership Center, Good Neighbors Romania, Good Neighbors International (KOREA)