On International Children's Day, Government adopts a number of critical decisions aimed at protecting children and supporting Ukrainian families

On International Children's Day, the Government has endorsed a package of significant decisions aimed at protecting children and supporting Ukrainian families.

"Every child has the right to the best. To be cared for, loved, educated, and developed. This is what Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says, and what all children deserve. Children should receive everything they need from the first days of their lives. We cannot wait for the war to end to give them a chance for a happy childhood here in Ukraine. They have the right to learn, be happy, play, and dream today. Every day and despite all the challenges," said Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

Governmental decisions are as follows:

1. Protection of children affected by russia's armed aggression is being intensified. There have been updated determination of the status of deported, forcibly displaced, and children affected by hostilities, which will enable more accurate recording of each case. Compensation and emergency payment mechanisms are being introduced, and a unified information database is being created, integrated into the Unified Information System for the Social Sphere (UISSS).

2. A procedure for responding to cases of violence against children has been adopted. All institutions — schools, medical facilities, youth centers — shall receive a unified algorithm of actions for identifying, terminating, and preventing violence.

3. New principles for financing the health and recreation of children in need of support are being introduced. The principle of “money follows the child” will ensure that assistance is targeted. A sum worth UAH 91.5 million has been envisaged for the programme.

4. Additional guarantees will apply to graduates of boarding schools. According to the Government's decision, orphans and children deprived of parental care will receive financial assistance, necessary items and equipment, and priority housing after completing their education or service.

5. A National Council for the Rights of the Child is being established as a permanent body to coordinate state policy in the field of childhood and prepare an annual report on the situation of children in Ukraine. This strengthens the institutional capacity of the state to work systematically in the interests of children.

6. The National Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee, a European initiative covering five key areas: preschool education, healthcare, nutrition, housing, and inclusive education, has been adopted. The Plan creates a common framework for cooperation between the state, local authorities, and international partners to ensure that every child in Ukraine has access to basic services and development opportunities, regardless of where they live and what their family has gone through.