Children’s Day is more than a mere date on the calendar. It embodies the noble commitment of the United Voices in Action initiative to safeguard the rights of displaced children and facilitate their integration into new communities.

Presently, child-centric integration endeavors are taking place across various regions of Ukraine. The nature and scope of these activities are wide-ranging: in one community, children might engage in urban exploration games, while in another, they could find themselves immersed in the world of theatrical performances. Some communities encourage artistic creativity, with children participating in painting Easter eggs and creating art, while others provide an avenue for exploration and learning through orienteering exercises.

Consequently, these young souls find companionship amongst the local children, familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, and discover new talents and ambitions.

“Children who have been displaced due to war are, above all, still children. They may have lost their toys, friends, and in some unfortunate cases, family members. Yet, we cannot delay their childhood or their right to cherish every day,” Nataliya Teslyk, coordinator of the United Voices in Action program, professes. “Going forward, the IDP Councils will pioneer collective activities that aim to instill a sense of belonging and empowerment in every child, and in every Ukrainian, to contribute to the future of Ukraine.”

The United Voices in Action program also undertakes to protect displaced children by advocating for their rights at the legislative level. Specifically, the program’s legal team is focused on modernizing the process to grant the status of a child affected by war and armed conflicts. This procedure currently does not reflect the realities of the full-scale invasion. Displaced children from liberated communities such as in Kharkivska, Kyivska, Zaporizka, and other oblasts cannot receive this status, even though they too have suffered the impact of war. The legal team is thus committed to advocating for changes to this procedure.