Rehabilitation and social adaptation of war-affected children: legal guarantees and mechanisms of implementation

The rehabilitation and social adaptation of children affected by war is an important area of state policy and legal regulation. The military actions in Ukraine have led to massive violations of children’s rights, particularly their rights to security, housing, education, and medical care. State policy in the field of protecting children affected by war requires improvement, especially in expanding legal mechanisms for their rehabilitation and social integration. This article analyzes international and national legal standards regulating child protection, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, the Geneva Conventions, and their Additional Protocols. The compliance of Ukrainian legislation with international standards in the field of social protection for children affected by war is examined. The necessity of defining the legal status of a «child of war» in Ukrainian legislation is emphasized, as it would simplify the process of receiving social assistance. The study focuses on the psychological, medical, and educational rehabilitation of children. The role of state and non-governmental organizations in providing psychological support, access to treatment, and specialized care is examined. The issue of ensuring educational opportunities for children affected by war is highlighted, particularly in terms of online learning, inclusive education, and adaptation programs for internally displaced persons. The article also explores the social adaptation of children affected by war, the effectiveness of state social protection programs, legal issues concerning orphans and children deprived of parental care, and the provision of housing for children who lost their homes due to military actions. The challenges of integrating displaced children into new communities, including discrimination, language, and cultural barriers, are discussed. Based on the analysis, recommendations are proposed for improving legislation on the social adaptation of children affected by war, including the creation of a unified register of children affected by armed conflict, the expansion of support programs, and strengthening international cooperation. The necessity of a comprehensive approach to solving this issue is substantiated, which includes effective interaction between the state, international organizations, and civil society. The proposals outlined in the article can be used in the development of legislative initiatives for the protection of the rights of children affected by war.