Olga Kosse at the Swedish Parliament: psychological support for children is about Ukraine’s future

Children growing up in war are affected not only by insecurity and displacement, but also by long-term psychological stress. Supporting their mental health is therefore not only a humanitarian response — it is a question of what Ukrainian society will look like in the next 10–15 years.

This was the focus of the speech by Olпa Kosse, Head of the Board of Responsible Citizens NGO, during a discussion at the Swedish Parliament dedicated to children living in the realities of war.

The event was initiated by our steadfast partners at Rädda Barnen / Save the Children Sweden, who have consistently supported child protection and humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine over the years. Among the participants were members of the Swedish Parliament working on international development, human rights, and child protection issues: Gudrun Brunegård, Azra Muranovic, Carina Ödebrink and Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström.

Responsible Citizens shared practical experience of working with children and families in frontline regions of Ukraine through Child-Friendly Spaces and mobile psychosocial support teams. Today, this support is provided across five regions, helping children who have experienced evacuation, loss, prolonged stress and life under constant threat.

“Short-term humanitarian response can only provide temporary relief. Children and families affected by war need systematic and long-term support. Our role as an organisation is to work consistently with the consequences of war through psychological support tools while responding to the individual needs of every child. This includes emotional wellbeing, speech development, educational recovery and many other issues that directly shape children’s future,” said Olga Kosse

During the discussion, participants exchanged perspectives on how psychosocial support for children can become a stronger part of both humanitarian response and long-term recovery efforts for Ukraine.

We sincerely thank the members of the Swedish Parliament for the open dialogue, thoughtful discussion and continued attention to the needs of Ukrainian children and families. Such international partnerships and exchanges remain essential for building sustainable support for Ukraine’s future.