According to the UN, since the beginning of the full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation, at least 669 children have died in Ukraine, and another 1,833 children have been injured.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Today, Ukraine joined the international community in celebrating World Children’s Day on November 20 for the first time, emphasizing the importance of protecting children’s rights and ensuring their safe and happy childhood.
Official Change of Celebration Date
The celebration of World Children’s Day in Ukraine has been moved from June 1 to November 20 starting in 2025, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 355/2025. This decision was made to harmonize the national calendar with international practices and to remind everyone of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted on November 20, 1989.
Children’s Rights at the Center of Society’s Attention
First Lady Olena Zelenska emphasized the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, highlighting its relevance in today’s conditions. She noted that the protection of children’s rights has become an especially pressing issue during the full-scale war initiated by Russia, and that efforts to guarantee children’s rights to life, education, and a safe childhood unite soldiers, educators, parents, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.
“The issue of protecting children’s rights is particularly acute now, during the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine. Every day we are forced to fight for our children’s right to life, education, and a happy, carefree childhood. Ukrainian soldiers, educators, parents, and governmental and non-governmental institutions are making efforts for this,” said Olena Zelenska.
According to the UN, from February 24, 2022, until the end of 2024, at least 669 children have died as a result of hostilities in Ukraine, and another 1,833 children have been injured. Additionally, about 737,000 children have become internally displaced persons, and nearly 1.7 million children have been forced to leave Ukraine and become refugees.
The celebration of World Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the need for constant attention to children’s rights, their protection, and support, especially in the context of military conflict.