Alexandria, VA (April 19, 2022) — In times of conflict and crisis, children are at a heightened risk of not just violence and displacement, but of going missing, being trafficked, and of being sexually exploited and abused.

Children living in war zones face far more obstacles and increased vulnerabilities regardless of whether they stay or leave. Children living in or fleeing from conflict areas suffer the disruption of their daily lives, including access to education and healthcare. They are deprived of a sense of security that no child should experience.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a mass migration in which more than 4.9 million people have fled the country and become refugees. Another 7.1 million people have been internally displaced within the country. The significant and traumatic impact on children cannot be overlooked.

Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been displaced from their homes.

“Children who are displaced are more vulnerable to a multitude of dangers,” says Bob Cunningham, CEO of ICMEC, “Their lack of maturity and education, as well as vulnerabilities related to their ongoing physical and psychological development, predispose them to an increased risk of exploitation and to going missing prior to, during, and after their journeys.”

ICMEC has compiled a list of resources made available by various countries on their official government websites, as well as by international bodies, including the European Commission, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Missing Children Europe. These resources contain immigration information for Ukrainian citizens seeking visas or refugee status, Ukrainian diaspora aiming to bring family members to live with them outside of Ukraine, how to report missing Ukrainian children, and additional trafficking and child protection resources.

To learn more visit: https://www.icmec.org/ukraine/