EU and UNICEF help improve lives of vulnerable children in Kosovo

The EU and UNICEF started funding the work of the Center in the beginning of 2022 to help ensure that children in street situations and other at-risk children p can meet their basic needs for food, rest, hygiene, and psychological support, and can access education, health care, and other services. Counseling and other support for their families is also provided.

"I am happy to see that the EU support to Kosovo is reaching thousands of vulnerable children and their families and is having a tangible and positive impact on their lives. We will continue providing our support to disadvantaged children and their families in Kosovo to help improve the human rights protection and build a healthier and brighter future for all," said Tomas Szunyog, EU Ambassador to Kosovo.

The EU s and UNICEF signed a three-year partnership to protect vulnerable children in Kosovo. Through this 2,5 million euro Action the EU with UNICEF and its partners will provide access to protection and education to more than 10,000 vulnerable girls and boys including children in street situations, children at risk of dropping out of school, children with disabilities, child victims of violence, and children in contact with the law. The partnership will also strengthen the institutional capacities of the child protection system in Kosovo, with training for more than 1,300 frontline workers and other professionals from the social welfare, justice, health, and education sectors.

"Our partnership with the EU comes at a critical time when we are need to build back better and more inclusive services for children and families. Faced with multiple shocks from pandemics to economic crises, vulnerable children are being left behind worldwide, with more than ever falling out of education and into poverty. That is why it is important that we develop strong social service systems here in Kosovo, as this is the best way to sustainably protect the most vulnerable and at-risk children," said Head of UNICEF in Kosovo, Nona Zicherman.

The EU and UNICEF have long established cooperation in providing support to vulnerable children and their families.

#About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/kosovoprogramme