Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) is alarmed by the fate of all children affected by the war in Ukraine, in particular those separated from their parents because of it.
Together with other international child rights NGOs, we are urging governments to protect these children and uphold their rights as they take refuge throughout Europe and beyond. A majority of these children have been separated from a parent – this trauma and other traumas of war will have long-lasting effects. Those already separated from a parent, such as children with an incarcerated parent, will experience even greater levels of anguish.
Child refugees are also vulnerable to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. We appeal to governments throughout Europe to act fast to provide adequate protection measures.
COPE member organisations — among them Probacja Foundation in Poland, Alternative Sociale in Romania and the Czech Helsinki Committee in Czech Republic — are sparing no efforts in these troubled times.
We call on governments across Europe, and on the European Union and Council of Europe, to help protect all children suffering from armed conflict and parental separation, in Ukraine, across all borders and wherever they may be.
