Encouraging a return to normality
Her eyes moist and in a trembling voice, Tatiana emotionally recalls their hasty escape – with husband Artur and their five children – in March 2022. “We had no cellar, no place to protect us from the bombs. Just our big padded sofa which we pushed into a corner with blankets and cushions to hide the children.” Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of families to flee. The war is having a considerable impact on the whole population, including the most vulnerable, such as children, young people, and families like Tatiana and Arthur’s.
In addition to the military stalemate and simmering political conflicts, Europe is also seeing a rise in extremism and opposition movements against migrants, LGBTI+ people, and ethnic minorities. The economic, social and political fragility of some countries is making living conditions tougher, leaving children particularly vulnerable.
Can you help to protect children in Europe?
Our impact in 2023
7 countries
covered by the work of Terre des hommes
140,740 children
5,300 people
have been trained in justice, migration and child protection
After the bombs, relearning normality
At the heart of Europe
In Europe, we are active in Albania, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. We also work with partners in other countries.
In Ukraine and in the neighbouring countries, our teams are committed to improving the wellbeing of children affected by the war. In Europe, we also support children left behind by their migrating parents and make sure that all refugee and migrant children, regardless of their origin, are protected and are treated without any discrimination.
We encourage the use of restorative justice for children and young people in contact with the justice system, and we are training legal practitioners to better take their needs into account. Through art and creativity activities, children and young people can learn how legal systems work and participate in imagining solutions for improvement.
In Europe, we are active in Albania, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. We also work with partners in other countries.
In Ukraine and in the neighbouring countries, our teams are committed to improving the wellbeing of children affected by the war. In Europe, we also support children left behind by their migrating parents and make sure that all refugee and migrant children, regardless of their origin, are protected and are treated without any discrimination.
We encourage the use of restorative justice for children and young people in contact with the justice system, and we are training legal practitioners to better take their needs into account. Through art and creativity activities, children and young people can learn how legal systems work and participate in imagining solutions for improvement.
At the child-friendly space with Yana
“Children are a perpetual source of inspiration, and it is a joy to be able to pass on some semblance of normality.”
Forced to flee Ukraine herself in 2022, Yana knows the humanitarian sector well, having worked with Tdh in Donbass to support families that were victims of mines and in the main refugee reception centre for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova. Back in Eastern Ukraine, she is now making sure that child-friendly spaces are created in schools near the front line, supporting children affected by the war that suffer from permanent stress. She shares: "When I see the children who come to our spaces, when I see their smiles, when I hear a child ask a facilitator: "When is the next activity?", it makes me happy and I understand that we are moving in the right direction".
Supported by
Centre de crise et de soutien
Swiss Solidarity
Swiss Solidarity is Switzerland's humanitarian fundraising and solidarity system. For Terre des hommes, Swiss Solidarity is one of its most important partners, particularly in the case of natural disasters.
European Commission - DG JUST
Austrian Development Agency
The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) aims to reduce poverty, preserve the environment and promote peace and human security in partner countries. ADA's long-term programmes and projects support self-help to ensure sustainable development.
SDC
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implements the Federal Council's foreign policy on humanitarian aid, development cooperation and cooperation with Eastern Europe and at multilateral level. The SDC focuses its activities on reducing poverty and distress, as well as curbing global risks. It also aims to preserve natural resources for future generations.
Disaster Emergency Committee
Beisheim Foundation
Medicor Foundation
Fondation philantropique NEXT
Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund
Fondul Roman de Dezvoltare Sociala
German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
As Germany's leading service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world.
OCHA Ukraine Humanitarian Fund
International Organisation for Migration
UEFA
UEFA Children's Foundation: The Foundation works for the improvement of children's living conditions, the promotion of their dignity and the respect of their fundamental rights as defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Terre des hommes is proud to be able to count on the generous support of the UEFA Children's Foundation, a renowned international partner.
UNFPA
UNICEF
UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund: UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, protect their rights and help them reach their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
UNHCR
Centre de crise et de soutien
Swiss Solidarity
Swiss Solidarity is Switzerland's humanitarian fundraising and solidarity system. For Terre des hommes, Swiss Solidarity is one of its most important partners, particularly in the case of natural disasters.
European Commission - DG JUST
Austrian Development Agency
The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) aims to reduce poverty, preserve the environment and promote peace and human security in partner countries. ADA's long-term programmes and projects support self-help to ensure sustainable development.
SDC
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implements the Federal Council's foreign policy on humanitarian aid, development cooperation and cooperation with Eastern Europe and at multilateral level. The SDC focuses its activities on reducing poverty and distress, as well as curbing global risks. It also aims to preserve natural resources for future generations.
Disaster Emergency Committee
Beisheim Foundation
Medicor Foundation
Fondation philantropique NEXT
Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund
Fondul Roman de Dezvoltare Sociala
German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
As Germany's leading service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, GIZ is dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world.
OCHA Ukraine Humanitarian Fund
International Organisation for Migration
UEFA
UEFA Children's Foundation: The Foundation works for the improvement of children's living conditions, the promotion of their dignity and the respect of their fundamental rights as defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Terre des hommes is proud to be able to count on the generous support of the UEFA Children's Foundation, a renowned international partner.
UNFPA
UNICEF
UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund: UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, protect their rights and help them reach their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.