On the third anniversary of the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, KIND released a new policy briefing with urgent actions to better protect and respect the rights of unaccompanied and separated children displaced from Ukraine. Despite existing legal protections and international commitments, thousands of children remain in precarious situations, at heightened risk of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.
KIND outlines 10 concrete actions that governments together with civil society and international organizations can take to address significant protection gaps and ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied and separated children displaced from Ukraine.
“As we enter the third year of devastating conflict in Ukraine, the international community has a powerful opportunity to unite around a shared priority: protecting children,” said Director, Policy and Advocacy, Europe Jyothi Kanics. “Despite legal obligations and established standards to protect unaccompanied and separated children, far too many of these children remain in perilous situations, vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, and abuse – harms no child should ever endure. We have a responsibility to this next generation to provide them with the care and support they need to heal from trauma and build healthy, fulfilling lives.”
The brief recommends that governments and international organizations:
- Ensure a child’s best interests inform decisions to reunite the child with a family member or their possible return or relocation;
- Expand access to free, quality legal services for unaccompanied and separated children displaced from Ukraine to ensure access to justice and effective remedies, including compensation; and
- Prevent and respond to the trafficking and exploitation risks, including by providing trauma-informed support for victims.
KIND urges policymakers, child protection authorities, and humanitarian organizations to implement these recommendations and uphold their commitments under international law. Without swift action, thousands of displaced children will continue to face uncertainty, exploitation, and harm.
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