Let's use energy wisely in these hours, because not even children in Ukraine are spared from the war. It extends up to energy consumption at home and in the workplace the appeal of the Cultural Association of Pediatricians and the Center for Child Health about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The central theme is that a more prudent use of gas would reduce the need to cover with imports from Russia, thus weakening Moscow's economy. The premier Mario Draghi in his information to Parliament he supported the need to increase the flow from Azerbaijan, envisaging leveling of supplies to industries in extreme cases.
The two non-profit organizations have joined the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations, of the ISSOP (International Society for Social Paediatrics) and of the EPCCP (European Confederation of Primay Care Paediatricians) for an immediate ceasefire. The war in Ukraine no longer concerns only the 500 children of the Donbass region who have been grappling with a dramatic conflict since 2014.
Putin's intervention since last week is extended to the whole country e 7 million children are at risk of physical and emotional trauma. “Our thoughts – says the appeal – also go to all unprotected civilians and colleagues involved in the field. Volunteer staff who have no choice but to stay, work and take care of young patients and their families".
Children in Ukraine: international conventions
All international conventions must be respected and applied, as, moreover, is felt in the hundreds of protest demonstrations. In the hours of fighting in the main cities one must remember the international child protection obligations and enable aid agencies to quickly and safely reach children. The news of the bombings together with those of the Ukrainian resistance are not protecting hospitals, schools, kindergartens and other social structures. There is fighting, the clashes are extensive, while the Russian media do not give real news. Pediatricians, on the other hand, repeat to the whole world that childcare facilities "are never considered war targets".
There is evidently hope for an immediate ceasefire, as the international networks have requested ISSA (International Step-to-Step Association), ECD Task Force (Early Childhood Development task force), WAIMH (World Association for Infant Mental Health), e UNICEF. The USA and Europe are insisting on sanctions and there are already 368 Ukrainian refugees.
But, although far from war zones, European citizens, in addition to marches and street demonstrations, can contribute to peacemaking with behaviors without excesses. Gazprom's gas supplies remain in the background and, while not directly linked to the protection of children in the conflict, have moral value for millions of Europeans.
“Each of us is invited to consider the sacrifices and renunciations that may be necessary to make possible the actions of the international community - says the document-appeal - starting from a more prudent use of energy sourceswhich is to our long-term benefit anyway.” In short, the people attacked are saved by penalizing Putin with small but significant domestic or corporate actions. As far as possible.
