NGO warns of mental health problems for Ukrainian minors

Brussels, 14 November. The majority of Ukrainian refugee children have suffered from anxiety since the outbreak of the war, a feeling that is exacerbated by adolescents over 16 (78%), according to Save the Children, which has discovered mental health problems in minors who have arrived in the European Union.

Since the war began on February 24, some 7.7 million Ukrainian refugees have come to the European Union in search of safety. In a report released Monday, Save the Children estimates that 40% are children who have witnessed stressful events that have led to feelings of anxiety and unhappiness.

57% of minors surveyed by the organization reported feeling unhappy since leaving Ukraine; 44% said they experience a lack of rest and loneliness; And 55% are concerned about their future.

Similarly, Save the Children warns that the educational status of these minors is “alarmingly low” since the outbreak of the conflict until the summer school break, only a third of them attended school, while 25% attended only online classes.

Additionally, one in four children claimed that in the 2022/2023 school year he did not intend to enroll.

The organization believes that governments must “redouble efforts” to enroll children in school and address the barriers preventing children from going to school, including increasing school capacity and providing language support to children and their caregivers.

Save the Children Europe Director Elva Sperling stresses that the EU needs a “renewed sense of urgency” to ensure that Ukrainian children “can fully enjoy their rights to protection, health and education and can truly thrive in their own host.”

The organization considers that European countries and the European Union have taken “remarkable and positive” steps to ensure the reception of Ukrainian minor refugees and stresses that the “most important” is the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive, which guarantees the access of Ukrainian refugees. Residence permits quickly and easily.

However, he warns that the lack of adequate housing or the presence of too many people is one of the main concerns of refugees.

Nearly half of the minors (47%) would like to find an apartment for their families and 43% want a room of their own, however European governments have had problems providing housing that meets these needs.

Most children believe that their situation will improve by making friends in the host community, and by increasing their chances of playing sports and learning the local language.

The report concludes that host countries play an “important role” in supporting children in ensuring that anxiety and unhappiness lead to long-term mental health problems. EFE

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