A safe haven for refugee children

Europe is a continent of contrasts: while some regions enjoy prosperity and stability, others struggle with poverty, war, and displacement. For many children, this means growing up in unsafe, sometimes life-threatening conditions—often without access to education, healthcare, and protection. 100 million people worldwide are fleeing their homes due to increasing conflicts – more than ever before. In Europe, refugees now come not only from the Middle East or Africa, but also from Ukraine.

Europe – The continent's greatest challenges: War, flight, and displacement

Thousands of people have already lost their lives as a result of Russia's war of aggression, which has been ongoing since 2022. Air strikes on the country's infrastructure have left the population in many cities and communities without electricity or running water. For many, the only hope is to flee their homeland. Hundreds of thousands of them are unaccompanied children separated from their parents. During their flight, they experience traumatic events and often become victims of violence and abuse. Our projects support affected children and families in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Romania and Moldova with emergency aid, psycho-social care, and long-term support to give them a measure of security despite the war.

Also in Greece, urgent help for refugees is still needed. They undertake long and dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean or along the Balkan route, hoping for a better future in Europe. Greece is often the first port of call for refugees from Africa and the Middle East. Once there, however, the sad truth of European refugee policy becomes apparent to those arriving: Instead of helping, the EU is investing more in border protection. Illegal pushbacks mean that people have to take increasingly dangerous routes, which more and more often end in death. The Greek government is also preventing the construction of humane accommodation for refugees. Overcrowded camps, inadequate sanitary facilities, a lack of protective measures, and poor access to education and healthcare are the order of the day. 

Support for refugees therefore comes mainly from aid organizations. Kindernothilfe is working with local partners to provide humanitarian aid. It also supports and co-organizes demonstrations in Germany under the umbrella of the “Seebrücke-Bündnis” to decriminalize sea rescue and promote state rescue missions.

Germany

We offer training and consulting on child protection issues for daycare centres, schools, sports clubs and other institutions, and support them in developing child protection systems. We also strengthen educational, voluntary, church and youth work.

Greece

The Greek Island Lesbos is at the center of a humanitarian crisis, hosting thousands of refugees in overcrowded and unsafe camps. Limited resources and inadequate support worsen their living conditions and prolong their suffering.

Women and children from refugee camps on Lesbos who are particularly at risk are housed in a shelter. They receive psychosocial support and assistance with
education, job hunting and feeding their children – a model project for the entire region.

Greece: Safety and dignity for refugees

Ukraine, Romania & Republic of Moldova

The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and leaving many in urgent need. Kindernothilfe provides vital support to refugees in Ukraine and in neighboring countries like Romania and the Republic of Moldova, which serve as important places of refuge—especially for children and families.

We support Ukrainian refugees and the local population, especially mothers and children, with food and donations in kind, accommodation, medical care, educational programs, psychological/psychosocial support, integration measures, and job placement.

We also help schools with restoration and equipment and are committed to investigating human and children's rights violations.

Tudora: A small village becomes a refuge for Ukrainian families