Growing up with sirens: UN child rights envoy on the toll of the Ukraine-Russia war
But children on both sides of the border continue to suffer the consequences of Russia’s invasion. Ahead of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, observed annually on 4 June, UN News spoke to the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, following her recent visits to Ukraine and the Russian Federation.She reflected on what she witnessed, the challenges facing children affected by the war and the importance of protecting young lives, wherever they may be living.This interview has been edited for clarity and length. UN News: You have recently come back from Ukraine. What struck you most about the impact of the war on children and their families?Vanessa Frazier: The war in Ukraine is very tough. I was struck by several issues. First, children are impacted disproportionately, especially when it comes to education. The war started right after COVID, so children had already had two years of online schooling, and many have continued for another four years because they are unable to go to school safely. For children to have spent six years in total in online schooling is something that struck me, as a mother. At the same time, the effort made by the Government of Ukraine and local authorities, supported by UNICEF and NGOs, is incredible. The underground schools and metro schools are remarkable projects designed to allow children to continue learning safely.UN News: You also travelled to Russia. What were your main messages to the Russian authorities regarding the protection of children in the context of this conflict?Ms. Frazier: When I went to Russia, I was wearing two hats. As the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, I spoke specifically about the six grave violations against children. The Russian armed forces are listed for two grave violations: killing and maiming of children, and attacks on schools and hospitals. The Security Council resolutions that define our mandate are very clear that when a party to a conflict is listed, the only way that party can be delisted is to enter into a time-bound commitment plan with the United Nations to end and prevent grave violations against children. These commitments must be verified by the UN as having been implemented. I was also there in relation to the General Assembly resolution adopted on 3 December 2025 concerning missing Ukrainian children. The resolution tasked the good offices of the Secretary-General with coordinating UN agencies, engaging with the Russian Federation for the immediate and unconditional return of the children, ensuring access to Ukrainian children wherever they may be and keeping Member States involved. The Secretary-General has decided that his good offices will be represented through my office. Therefore, while in Russia, I also held discussions on the missing Ukrainian children. I had access to some Ukrainian children on Russian territory, which was arranged by the Russian Federation. We also visited the frontline city of Belgorod.
