"Millions of children suffered": UN releases updated data on violations of children's rights in Ukraine

This is stated in a new report by the UN Human Rights Office, released on March 21.

“The ongoing hostilities and occupation of parts of Ukraine by the Russian Federation have caused large-scale human rights violations and inflicted unimaginable suffering on millions of children. Their rights have been undermined in every aspect of life, leaving deep scars, both physical and psychosocial,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.

Between February 24, 2022, and December 31, 2024, the UN Human Rights Office confirmed the deaths of 669 children and the injury of 1,833. Among these, 521 children were killed and 1,529 injured in Ukraine-controlled areas, while 148 were killed and 304 injured in temporarily Russian-occupied territories. However, the UN has acknowledged that the true numbers are likely much higher.

Furthermore, a significant portion of Ukraine’s territory remains contaminated with mines and other explosive devices, which continue to pose long-term risks to children's lives and health.

By the end of last year, 737,000 children and their families had been displaced, while another 1.7 million had become refugees, many of whom remain separated from their fathers.

The report highlighted that children in Russian-occupied territories are especially vulnerable, with Russia, in particular, restricting access to education.

The UN also documented the damage or destruction of numerous Ukrainian schools, condemning the consequences of Russia's aggression. 

It called on the aggressor country to acknowledge and address these violations, emphasizing that such recognition is  “essential to ensure a future where all Ukrainian children can reclaim their rights, identity and security.”

• According to the Ukrainian President’s Office, about 1.6 million Ukrainian children currently live under Russian control.