February 22, 2025
In the three years since the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, many unaccompanied and separated children displaced from the country remain in precarious situations and at heightened risk of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. Children from alternative care settings in Ukraine evacuated to safety abroad are also vulnerable and many have additional special needs. All of these children, who have been forcibly displaced and deprived of their family environment, are entitled to special protection, assistance, and care.
As we mark this anniversary, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is concerned about the risks and uncertainty that these children continue to face. Despite an abundance of existing legal obligations and standards regarding the treatment of unaccompanied and separated children, as well as specific guidance concerning children displaced from Ukraine, many challenges and persistent gaps in the protection of these children remain.
Recent reports across Europe demonstrate the need to continue monitoring the situation of children displaced from Ukraine and ensure effective support, focusing on children’s unique needs and vulnerabilities. While some good practices have been developed, significant protection gaps recognised at the beginning of the response remain and new challenges have emerged.
