“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has brought serious consequences for children’s mental and physical health, and access to basic public services. The Government and the Sweden Democrats therefore consider it essential to contribute support for children to gain access to basic things such as clean water, heat, psychosocial support and shelter. Through our new support to UNICEF, we are also working to counter family separation and helping to provide children with safer healthcare in both Ukraine and Moldova,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell. 

“Supporting Ukraine in several ways with the help of broad initiatives is ultimately essential for the country’s resilience. We must ensure that we provide support where we can, and it is especially important that we help those who are most at risk,” says Sweden Democrats group leader Linda Lindberg.

“Children are hit especially hard by war and conflict. It is no surprise that many children in Ukraine are severely traumatised, both physically and mentally. But the threat looming over Moldova is also taxing on everyone who lives there. Children in these countries need professional support. This includes medical assistance for their injuries and in particular, support in dealing with the impressions made on them by the horrors of war. At the same time, resources are scarce. It is therefore important that Sweden now increases its contribution to strengthen support for children’s protection and well-being,” says Gudrun Brunegård, development assistance policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats.

“These children are both Ukraine’s and Europe’s future. Our support should increase and continue for as long as necessary,” says Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.