“Our thoughts are with the children and young people of Ukraine today and we are concerned for their lives and wellbeing. We are deeply saddened to see the shocking escalation of the conflict and heavy weapons fire and join the international call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This conflict poses a major threat to life and will cause further suffering to the people of Ukraine”.
Families must be allowed to seek refugee and support
Families who are forced to leave their homes must be allowed to seek refuge and support. All countries must commit to their obligations under the UN Convention on Refugees. The principle of non-refoulement must be respected meaning that no one should be returned to a country where they would face harm.
The escalation of hostilities is taking a heavy toll on the physical and mental wellbeing and living standards of children, women, and others who are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Protection, including child protection and the prevention of gender-based violence, access to water, food and health services, and education are among the greatest needs, especially for families displaced from their homes. Military escalation could lead to an increase in the trafficking of people, especially women and children. Plan International urges all authorities concerned to respect the human rights of children and humanitarian access for organizations providing support for communities in the impacted areas.