Ongoing hostilities and occupation of parts of Ukraine by Russia have caused large-scale human rights violations and inflicted unimaginable suffering on millions of children, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday.

“Their rights have been undermined in every aspect of life, leaving deep scars, both physical and psychosocial,” said Liz Throssell, OHCHR spokesperson.

Between 24 February 2022 and 31 December 2024, 669 children were killed and 1,833 injured, many from the extensive use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Of these, 521 have been confirmed killed and 1,529 injured in Ukraine and 148 were killed and 304 injured in territory occupied by Russia. The actual numbers are likely much higher.

“Vast areas of Ukraine are now littered with landmines and explosive remnants of war, posing long-term risks to children’s lives and safety,” she said.

“As of December 2024, an estimated 737,000 children had been internally displaced by the hostilities. A further 1.7 million were refugees, many of them separated from a parent, usually their father,” Ms. Throssell added.

'Children's rights undermined in every aspect of life in Ukraine,' says OHCHR

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'Children's rights undermined in every aspect of life in Ukraine,' says OHCHR

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