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Reuniting with their families after a long and harrowing ordeal, sixteen Ukrainian children who were taken by Russia have finally returned home to Kyiv. This reunion was made possible through the efforts of the charity foundation Save Ukraine, which has been working tirelessly to bring back children from both occupied territories in Ukraine and Russia.
The emotional and psychological impact of being taken away from their families cannot be overstated. The children and their families have suffered immense distress and trauma due to this ordeal. The return of these children is, therefore, a heartwarming development that serves as a reminder that hope can still be found in the midst of conflict and adversity.
Save Ukraine’s work in reuniting families is all the more significant given the ongoing political tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which have resulted in a multitude of human rights abuses. The organization has made it their mission to bring back children who have been taken away from their families, despite the challenges and obstacles they face.
To date, Save Ukraine has been able to return 120 children from occupied territories in Ukraine and 30 children from Russia. This is an extraordinary achievement, but it is only a drop in the bucket when one considers the staggering number of Ukrainian children who have been deported by Russia.
According to Ukraine’s National Information Bureau, over 16,000 children from Ukraine have been deported by Russia. This is a grave violation of their basic human rights and has caused immense suffering to their families. The situation is made worse by the fact that many of these children are from families that are already vulnerable due to poverty, conflict, and displacement.
The impact of this forced separation on children’s lives is far-reaching and long-lasting. Separation from their families can cause psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also lead to long-term developmental problems and impair their ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
Save Ukraine’s efforts to reunite families have, therefore, been critical in mitigating the long-term effects of this forced separation. The organization not only helps bring children back to their families but also provides psychological support to both children and parents to help them heal from the trauma of separation.
