President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has met with UNICEF Representative in Ukraine Lotta Sylwander to discuss cooperation in the sphere of children’s safety and rights, according to the president’s press service.
“We are very grateful to UNICEF for its support and cooperation with Ukraine. Children inspire us to make the world a better place. Some of our children, especially those who belong to vulnerable groups, have many problems. We need more programs with UNICEF, and we must take more efforts to give Ukrainian children the happy childhood they deserve,” Zelensky said during the meeting on June 1.
“I am very pleased that Ukraine has joined the Declaration on Safe Schools. Children are our future, which we risk if we do not protect them properly,” the president said.
Zelensky and Sylwander discussed the possibilities of social support for children living below the poverty line who may find themselves in a difficult situation. Sylwander noted that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a challenge for the future of children in Ukraine and around the world. According to her, the most vulnerable are children under three and children raised in large families or by single parents.
“Poverty is also often the reason why many children find themselves in institutions, where they are deprived of the right to a family. We hope that the leadership of the President of Ukraine will allow us to take real steps to improve the life of every child in Ukraine. UNICEF reaffirms its willingness to work with the Ukrainian authorities to implement these changes,” she said.
“We would like to use the management tools and experience of UNICEF to implement the program of social protection of children faster,” Zelensky said.
