Children Praying for Children is an annual advocacy campaign launched by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) in 2024 to raise awareness about the illegal abduction of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories by russian authorities.
Each year on June 1st — International Children’s Day — we invite local communities across the United States to come together in prayer for the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly removed from their homes, transferred to russia, placed in so-called “re-education” camps, or had their identities changed and put up for adoption.
To date, the Ukrainian government has confirmed the identities of nearly 20,000 children in russian captivity. In 2023, russian officials claimed that approximately 700,000 Ukrainian children had been relocated to russia — a number impossible to independently verify due to the ongoing war and occupation.
Children are entitled to special protection under international law, including the Geneva Conventions. russia’s actions toward Ukrainian children are not only illegal — they constitute a grave violation of international law and meet the legal definition of genocide.
For more information on violations against children in armed conflict, see this UN publication
In 2024, UNWLA branches and partner organizations held over 12 events nationwide, including a flagship interfaith service in Washington, D.C. attended by Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova.
Children Praying for Children has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from communities and media, and has since been adopted as a national annual campaign open to participation by any community organization that wishes to stand in solidarity with the children of Ukraine.
To support UNWLA branches and partner organizations in organizing local events, we have created a comprehensive toolkit. Updated annually, it includes guidance on planning local events, creative materials, and outreach templates.
For additional support or materials, please contact us at advocacy@unwla.org or communications@unwla.org
Children Praying For Children Toolkit, 2025
