Donbas conflict already kills 50, wounds over 100 children in Donetsk region

In Donetsk region, 50 children have been killed, 138 children have been injured, 20 children have lost their parents since the onset of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.

69,500 children have been forced to leave their homes and go to other villages and towns. Currently, more than 312,000 children live in the government-controlled territory of Donetsk region and nearly every fifth is an internally displaced person.

The data are provided by the press service of the National Police department in Donetsk region. 556 schools have been left in the government-controlled territory (against 1128 schools opened before the conflict). Thirteen schools were closed because of constant attacks and destruction. Thirty-seven schools work directly along the demarcation line.

“Over 6,000 children get knowledge here, to the roar of artillery, very often without light and heat. In addition, the boarding schools and centers of social and psychological rehabilitation of children continue to work. Twelve such centers operated before the outbreak of hostilities. Currently, only seven remained on the government-controlled territory,” reads the statement.

238 orphans and children deprived of parental care have been evacuated even without the documents.

A total of 1800 orphans, residents of orphanages and boarding schools have been evacuated from the occupied territory. As of today, their documents were restored, the press service notes.

Twenty-five children’s camps for the rehabilitation of children are to be opened early summer of this year (in 2013, 61 such establishments operated). More than 50 police officers will secure public order. The alarm buttons have been already installed in four establishments. The police units now protect 33 educational institutions in Donetsk region.

In case of dangerous situation, the law enforcement officers will come to the rescue in less than 5-7 minutes, the report says.

Photo credit: press service