New Delhi: The lives of Ukrainian women, children and adolescents are hanging in the balance. PMNCH, the world’s largest alliance for the health and well being of women, children and adolescents, has appealed “for sustained and uninterrupted access to essential healthcare and services and the delivery of humanitarian assistance; protection for all civilians, especially patients and health and care workers, as well as for health facilities, transport systems and supplies; safe and unimpeded access for aid groups to conflict-affected areas according to the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and operational independence; and safe passage for all nationalities and ethnicities fleeing Ukraine.”
In a statement on Saturday, PMNCH said the UN estimates that 12 million people in Ukraine will need immediate relief and protection to prevent loss of life and livelihood, while millions more will be forcibly displaced and will require long-term psycho-social and economic support. They may include up to four million refugees, of whom a disproportionate number will be women and children who will need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries.
“On behalf of our partners around the world, many of whom are working tirelessly to respond to the needs of the communities affected by this crisis, we call for immediate and multi-year, unmarked and diversified funds to help countries provide shelter, emergency relief items, cash assistance, and mental health and other support to those who are fleeing, especially unaccompanied children, adolescents and others with specific needs.”
PMNCH has also called for the provision and continuity of a comprehensive set of services for the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents, supported by emergency pooled funds. For the sake of so many people seeking safety in this massive and growing refugee surge, the international community must continue to work as partners, with pace and urgency, to stop and ameliorate the devastation, and to guard against the intergenerational costs of violence and war on children and adolescents.
We must acknowledge other regions of the world experiencing unprecedented levels of crisis. A staggering 274 million people currently need humanitarian assistance. By the end of 2020, more than 82 million people had been forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, or events seriously disrupting public order. More than one per cent of the world’s population is now displaced, nearly half of whom are children.
In 2020, the United Nations verified over 26,000 grave violations against children in conflicts around the world, including the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, killing, maiming, harassment, rape and sexual violence, abductions and attacks on schools and hospitals. Persons with disabilities are also particularly vulnerable, often facing difficulties fleeing violence, with a high risk of injury and death. “PMNCH stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and other vulnerable populations around the world. We must safeguard their lives, health and rights. There is no time to lose,” reads the statement. /BI/
