Children Praying for Children
October 17 – November 20, 2026
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, from our campaign kick-off on October 17 through World Children’s Day on November 20, 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
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.
Everything you need to host an event
Children Praying For Children Toolkit, 2026
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.
Additional Materials
Children Praying for Children worldwide
As of 2026, through the collaboration with the Ukrainian World Congress and the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, UNWLA presented this initiative to all Ukrainian organizations worldwide, turning it into a truly global movement.
The toolkit and materials adapted for international use are available in English and Ukrainian.
2026 Children Praying for Children Interactive Map.
Do you host an event? Please add this to the map.
Explore the Map →
A campaign that keeps growing
National Campaign Children Praying for Children
In 2024, UNWLA branches and partner organizations held over 12 events nationwide, highlighted by a flagship interfaith service at Ukraine House in Washington, DC, co-organized by the Embassy of Ukraine and the UNWLA – Return Ukraine’s Children initiative.
- Held on International Children’s Day, June 1
- Events in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois and Washington, DC
- Speakers in DC included Ambassador Oksana Markarova and Congresswoman Susan Wild
We all are praying and working hard to make sure that the world didn’t forget…Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S.Read the 2024 report
Children Praying for Children: U.S. Communities Unite in Prayer for Illegally Abducted Ukrainian Children
During the weekend of May 31–June 1, 2025, UNWLA branches and partner organizations hosted over 50 prayer events across 14 states, including an interfaith event in Washington, D.C., organized in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
- More than 40 houses of worship took part — Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and interfaith
- Twelve events in California alone, and a new branch leading the way in Minneapolis
- Reps. Jim Himes and Madeleine Dean joined local events
The return of abducted Ukrainian children is non-negotiable.Natalie Pawlenko, UNWLA PresidentRead the 2025 report
Turn prayer into advocacy
Children Praying for Children is one of the campaigns of the “Return Ukraine’s Children” initiative — UNWLA’s one-stop shop for current statistics, advocacy materials, and calls to action, year round.
Become the Hope for Ukraine’s Children
For the next two months, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America is putting Ukraine’s children at the center of our work – through fundraising, advocacy, community action, and education.
Learn moreBecome the Hope for Ukraine’s Children: UNWLA Launches Campaign to Support Ukraine’s Children and Amplify Their Stories
For the next two months, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America is putting Ukraine’s children at the center of our work…
June 18, 2025Children Praying for Children: U.S. Communities Unite in Prayer for Illegally Abducted Ukrainian Children
During the weekend of May 31–June 1, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and its partner organizations held over 50 prayer events in 14 states…
June 9, 2024National Campaign Children Praying for Children
On June 1st, International Children’s Day, the National Women’s League of America organized a national prayer campaign Children Praying for Children…
How To: Letter To The Editor
Advocacy during Ukrainian Independence Day
Advocacy 101Questions about hosting an event?
Contact us at advocacy@unwla.org or communications@unwla.org
Download the 2026 ToolkitExplore the Map →