Germany and Ukraine Hold Talks on Child Welfare, Mental Health Support for Families

High-Level Meeting with German Delegation

According to Міністерство соц. політики: A meeting took place at Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy with a delegation led by Marayke Wulff, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany's Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, who also serves as the Federal Government Commissioner for Children. The main goal was to discuss assistance for Ukrainians under temporary protection in Germany, with a focus on women with children and orphans.

First Deputy Minister Liudmyla Shemelynets and Deputy Minister for European Integration Ilona Havronska also participated. The sides explored ways to expand support mechanisms for families within Ukraine, as well as knowledge exchange on mental health system development and strategies to combat violence.

“Today, our children are growing up under difficult conditions, where air raid alarms and time in shelters have become part of daily life. This creates new challenges, particularly regarding children's mental health, which we consider a top priority of state policy.” - Liudmyla Shemelynets

Significance of Unity Hub Berlin

Additionally, attendees highlighted the importance of Unity Hub Berlin as a space for support and communication for Ukrainians currently in Germany. Efforts to assist families with children, Ukrainians abroad, and to share expertise in the social sector remain central to advancing cooperation between Ukraine and Germany.

This meeting between Ukrainian social policy officials and the German delegation underscores the value of international collaboration in addressing the social challenges Ukrainians face, particularly amid the ongoing war. Supporting Ukrainian families-especially women and children-is critically important during prolonged military conflicts, requiring focused attention on their needs and psychological well-being.