The sides should make more effort to protect children, OSCE Chief Monitor in Ukraine emphasizes on Children’s Day

KYIV, 1 June 2016 - Today, on the International Day for Protection of Children, Ertugrul Apakan,  Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) called upon the sides to do their utmost to bring normality to children’s lives in Ukraine.

“Since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, lives and livelihoods of children are at increasing risk, with dozens falling victims to different forms of violence, including shelling and explosive remnants of war,” said Apakan. “This is a gross violation of basic children’s rights.”

Contamination of populated areas with explosive remnants of war, including across the contact line, in addition to restrictions of the freedom of movement at the checkpoints, directly affects children’s access to education, health, recreation and social protection. Children in situations of internal displacement require special attention due to the particular risks they may face.

“Children are innocent victims of this conflict. Violence must stop and the sides should intensify their efforts to allow conditions for a happy and healthy life for the children of Ukraine,” said Apakan.