On 3 June 2024, Dmytro LUBINETS (Ombudsman of Ukraine) and Munir MAMMADZADEH (a UNICEF Representative in Ukraine) made a working visit to Sumy Oblast.

With local authorities, the guests discussed further steps to ensure protection of children in border areas and provision of comprehensive assistance. The Center for Protection of Children’s Rights, which is going to unfold in Sumy with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund, should become a place where young Ukrainians as victims of Russian crimes can turn to.

One of the locations proposed for the future center is Sumy State University. Together with the rector Vasyl KARPUSHA, the Ombudsman and the UNICEF Representative in Ukraine inspected the premises. Here, a safe and comfortable environment for young Ukrainians will be created. Qualified specialists will provide necessary assistance to affected children.

According to Dmytro LUBINETS, last year the Ombudsman’s Office received over 3500 reports on various violations of children’s rights. As a result of their processing and monitoring visits, the rights of more than 18000 children were restored.