Europe

Republic of Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and awareness of children's rights is low among both adults and children. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the situation has worsened with increased political tensions, higher energy and food prices, and an increased flow of refugees from Ukraine. Factors such as these increase the risk that the most vulnerable children will not have their rights fulfilled.

In Republic of Moldova , we focus on education, safety and protection, and mental health for the most vulnerable groups of children and adolescents. Ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights is also a specific focus of work in the country.

Erikshjälpen contributes to, among other things:

• Responsible actors are provided with sufficient tools to fulfill children's rights.
• Strengthening interventions to help child victims of abuse.
• Increasing young people's access to health information and services.

Romania has the highest level of child poverty in the EU, and Roma inclusion is one of the country's biggest challenges. The proportion of Roma families living in insecure and segregated neighborhoods is significant. Given that Roma adults have limited opportunities to enter the labor market, children's access to education and health care is affected. In Romania, fewer Roma children start and complete school than non-Roma children.

In Romania, Erikshjälpen works with a focus on Roma children's rights and inclusion in society, where the combination of education, health and safety and protection provides greater opportunities for a rewarding life.

Erikshjälpen contributes to, among other things:

• Ensuring that Roma children have the opportunity to start and complete their education.
• Mothers and babies receive medical care to reduce infant mortality.
• Children feel safe when dealing with local authorities.
• Adaptations are made in schools to enable an inclusive school environment for all children's right to education.

Erikshjälpen's interventions in Ukraine focus largely on education, health and safety and protection for children and their families in the war that started in connection with Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022.

Erikshjälpen contributes to, among other things:

• Children and women in hard-hit areas recovering to participate in the reconstruction of their communities.
• Humanitarian Assistance for internally displaced persons.
• Psychosocial Support to deal with trauma caused by the war.
• Support for those remaining in Ukraine and for people returning to the country.
• Training for teachers and parents to support children's mental health.