Growing up with sirens: UN child rights envoy on the toll of the Ukraine-Russia war
Growing Up with Sirens: UN Envoy Addresses Ukraine-Russia War’s Child Impact
Growing up with sirens - Published on 4 June 2026
Growing up with sirens has become a grim reality for children in Ukraine, where the relentless sound of air-raid alarms punctuates daily life. The war, now in its fifth year, has not only disrupted education but also deepened psychological scars and forced families into survival mode. Sirens, once a distant warning, now echo through neighborhoods, signaling danger that has reshaped the childhoods of millions.
Ukraine’s Educational Crisis
The conflict has left Ukrainian children navigating a dual crisis: physical threats and educational instability. Many have spent years learning in makeshift underground classrooms or online, with some missing out on entire academic years due to safety concerns. “Children have already endured two years of remote learning, and many have spent an additional four in virtual classrooms due to safety,” said Vanessa Frazier, the UN’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. This totals six years of disrupted education, a statistic that underscores the severity of the situation.
Despite these challenges, Frazier acknowledged the efforts of Ukrainian authorities and UNICEF to create safe learning spaces. “Underground schools and metro-based classrooms are remarkable examples of adaptability,” she noted. However, she emphasized that these measures alone cannot resolve the broader crisis, which extends to children in Russia as well. The war’s effects are felt across both nations, with sirens becoming a universal symbol of vulnerability.
Child Protection in Russia
Frazier’s visit to the Russian Federation highlighted the need for stronger child protection mechanisms. “The Russian armed forces are responsible for two of the six grave violations against children: killing and maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals,” she stated. Under Security Council resolutions, any conflict party listed for these violations must commit to a specific plan to mitigate harm. Frazier praised Russia’s initial step in offering commitments, though she stressed that verification remains a critical challenge.
“The Russian Federation’s unilateral offer is a positive development, but we must ensure these actions are not just promises,” Frazier explained. “The ongoing risks to children, whether in schools, homes, or hospitals, require concrete, measurable progress.”
The issue of missing Ukrainian children, outlined in a General Assembly resolution from December 2025, also took center stage. Frazier reiterated the importance of securing the return of displaced children and maintaining international collaboration. “We must ensure access to Ukrainian children wherever they are, and the involvement of Member States is essential to achieving this goal,” she said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Frontline Realities in Belgorod
During her visit to Belgorod, a frontline city in Russia, Frazier observed firsthand the impact of the war on children. The city, exposed to frequent military activity, has become a testing ground for the resilience of both infrastructure and young minds. “Doctors in the pediatric hospital described the severity of injuries, including fatalities, which highlight the physical toll of the conflict,” she recalled. This exposure, combined with the disruption of schooling, creates a dual burden on children’s development.
“Access to these children was arranged by the Russian Federation, which is a positive sign,” Frazier remarked. “Yet, the persistence of sirens and the trauma they carry demand immediate, sustained action to safeguard the next generation.”
As the war continues, Frazier called for transparency and accountability in protecting children’s rights. “The UN cannot verify the full impact independently, but being on the ground provides critical insights into the challenges faced by Ukrainian and Russian children alike,” she said. Her findings reinforce the need for a unified approach to address the war’s long-term effects, ensuring that children are not just surviving but thriving in the face of adversity.