"Time and time again" children's lives being cut short by attacks in Ukraine

Statement by Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia

GENEVA/KYIV, 19 August 2023 – “Today’s horrific attack on a civilian area in Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, has reportedly killed a six-year-old child and injured at least 12 other children.

“The attack reportedly hit a town square, a university building and a theatre as families were going about their daily lives. Such attacks scar the lives of those affected and chip away at the fabric of the country.

“This is just the latest of a recent sequence of reported attacks that have killed and injured children across Ukraine. Time and time again we are seeing children’s lives cut short and families suffering the insurmountable grief of losing a child, all due to this horrific war.

“The killing and maiming of children have been sustained throughout the length of this war. More than 1700 children have lost their lives or sustained injuries, mostly from bombardment.

“Attacks must stop. Children must be protected. This country must be given the chance for peace and its children the chance of a future.

“Once again, we call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to abide by legal and moral obligations to keep children out of the line of fire. Children and their families desperately need peace.”

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For further information, please contact:

Ranjit Kang, UNICEF UK Media and Communications Manager, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

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