MADISON, Wisconsin — More than 4 million children were driven into poverty as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; 3 million of these children faced displacement within the first 100 days of the war. The rise in inflation has caused a 19% increase in Ukrainian children in poverty within the span of only one year. More than 2.8 million children find themselves below the poverty line; and despite the fact that Ukrainian children only make up 25% of the population, they make up 40% of the country’s impoverished population.
Causes
The harsh result of the rise of poverty comes from each household’s lack of money following extreme inflation, leaving little to no funds remaining for a family’s children. This money may be necessary for a child’s food, education and health care.
Ukrainian children find themselves struggling more than the adults in the country, as they are watching the possibility of their successful futures decay in the name of war. Children in poorer families have also been led to exploit their children in order to pay their bills, including maltreatment and solicitation.
Efforts to Alleviate Child Poverty in Ukraine
The considerable increase of Ukrainian children in poverty has an abundance of consequences; battling these rising statistics is not only possible but dire. Despite the fact that many who wish to support the citizens of Ukraine may not be in the country, reform is still achievable.
Reforming child-related systems, including adoption and workplace practice, could alleviate many of the problems that Ukrainian children face. Adoption by a family in a different country would allow the child to escape living in poverty in Ukraine. As many women are attempting to flee the country with their children, they are frequently at risk of illegal adoption; children are unlikely to maintain refugee status with their families and are often kidnapped when trying to pass borders and sent to families across the world in the name of safety.
Organizations Aiding Ukrainian Children
A number of organizations already exist to aid Ukrainian children in poverty. A majority of the foundations work to send necessities to families with feeble incomes or without proper supplies.
Save The Children, a nonprofit humanitarian organization founded in 1919, works to increase the number of healthy children in Ukraine by implementing more opportunities for children to receive education and therapy. Since 2014, the Save the Children Fund has delivered food, shelter and education to the children of Ukraine. The foundation continues to support families today, providing statistics about the struggles of children in Ukraine and ways other citizens can support them.
The International Rescue Committee has aided refugees globally, including those in countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan, since 1933. The organization includes specific donation descriptions including information about where the money is dispersed, often distributing necessities like food, winter gear and heaters to families who need them.
The Princeton Girlchoir’s annual benefit concert has pledged its earnings to aid children through the Ukrainian Federation of America this year. The Ukrainian Federation of America works to protect Ukrainian culture and provide supplies and aid to those in crisis. Though the federation provides help all over the globe, protecting Ukrainian citizens is its priority.
Despite the rising number of Ukrainian children in poverty as a result of the invasion of Russia, there are continuous efforts in order to alleviate the problems that accompany the increasing rates. With aid from multiple different countries and organizations, assistance is reaching children in poverty from all over the globe.
– Aspen Oblewski
Photo: Flickr