Ukraine’s Struggle to End Institutionalization of Children: Urgent Support Needed

Support Needed to End Institutionalization of Children in Ukraine

The Situation in Ukraine

The war between Ukraine and Russia has had a devastating impact on the country’s children, particularly those living in residential institutions. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine had one of the highest rates of child institutionalization in the world, despite the fact that the majority of these children had at least one living parent. The conflict has exacerbated the leading drivers for family separation and child institutionalization: poverty, disability, and conflict.

Call for Action

Multiple organizations, including Disability Rights International, Hope and Homes for Children, Human Rights Watch, and Lumos, are calling on Ukrainian officials and business leaders attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference to prioritize the needs of children and ensure that any recovery plan includes measures to prevent family separation and shut down the country’s network of state-run children‘s institutions. They argue that replacing Ukraine‘s outdated institutional care system with modern social services that strengthen families and keep children out of institutions should be central to rebuilding the country.

A Hidden Humanitarian Crisis

Mark Waddington, CEO of Hope and Homes for Children, describes the situation in Ukraine as a hidden humanitarian crisis. The country is grappling with displacement, crumbling social services, unemployment, soaring food prices, daily air raids, and widespread trauma from the Russian occupation. As a result, many parents are struggling to cope, putting thousands of children at risk of being placed in harmful institutions. Waddington emphasizes that, especially in times of war, children need loving and comforting families more than ever. The Ukraine Recovery Conference offers an incredible opportunity to address physical reconstruction, but it must also prioritize social reconstruction that supports families and children.

The Importance of Family and Community Care

Peter McDermott, CEO at Lumos, highlights the need for a future where Ukrainian children are not trapped in orphanages but can live with their families, supported by the resources and community services they need. McDermott stresses the importance of equipping families with the necessary tools and services to care for their children at home, instead of relying on institutions.

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities

Eric Rosenthal, executive director of Disability Rights International, calls on donors to prioritize the inclusion of children with disabilities in family care and to ensure meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in funding, policy making, and program development.

Human Rights Watch’s Perspective

Bill Van Esveld, associate children‘s rights director at Human Rights Watch, highlights that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has intensified the harm faced by institutionalized children, making urgent action necessary. He emphasizes that supporting Ukraine‘s recovery means supporting reforms that protect every child’s right to live in a family and community.

Recommendations for Reform

The 16 organizations involved in this call for action provide specific recommendations to Ukraine, its international partners, and the European Union. They recommend establishing a single national strategy to transform the care system, ending the use of residential institutions for all children, including those with disabilities. It is crucial for donors and international partners to provide long-term funding for this reform strategy, prioritize funding for inclusive, family- and community-based care services, and prohibit funding to institutions. The European Union, particularly through Ukraine‘s accession process, has a unique opportunity to champion and catalyze care reform, and international donors should support Ukraine‘s efforts and adhere to EU requirements.

Conclusion

The institutionalization of children in Ukraine is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. The ongoing war and conflict have only worsened the situation. The Ukraine Recovery Conference brings together key stakeholders who have the power to make a significant impact on the lives of Ukrainian children. It is crucial that they prioritize family and community care, support the necessary reforms, and allocate the resources needed to end the institutionalization of children in Ukraine. Only through a concerted effort can Ukraine give its children the loving and nurturing environments they deserve.

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