Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 51 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0 1 National University "Odesa Law Academy", Ukraine (corresponding author) E-mail: safonchyk.oksana@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6781-8219 2 Doctor of Philosophy in Law E-mail: stefancisenroman@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2878-7551 3 National University "Odesa Law Academy", Ukraine E-mail: gkm2016@ukr.net ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1778-1021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-3-51-59 INTERNATIONAL LEGAL AND ECONOMIC-SECURITY ASPECTS OF PROTECTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS AND THEIR INTERESTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE LEGAL REGIME OF MARTIAL STATE Oksana Safonchyk1, Roman Stefanchishen2, Kateryna Hlyniana3 Abstract. This article identifies the key features of international legal and economic support for protecting children’s rights and interests under martial law. This is achieved by: determining the features of the legal regime of martial law that influence the guarantee of fundamental rights and freedoms in the state; outlining international legal standards for protecting children and their interests; and examining the economic and legal means of safeguarding children’s rights in Ukraine during a special period. The present study was conducted utilising a combination of general and special scientific cognition methods. The method of comparison was utilised in order to identify status rights during the period of the legal regime of martial law. The application of analytical methods enabled the identification of the quantitative and qualitative parameters that characterise the specifics of implementing certain measures at both the international and national levels for the protection of children's rights within the legal regime of martial law. The findings of the study have demonstrated that the implementation of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine has precipitated directional changes to various types of social relations, which are objectively necessary for ensuring the state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and overall existence. Concurrently, there are restrictions on some children's rights and an increased risk of violations and inadequate safeguards. In the context of martial law, economic support measures have been employed as a means of ensuring the rights of children are upheld. These measures encompass the allocation of financial assistance to children in the form of monetary payments, as well as the fulfilment of specific needs, which are met through the utilisation of state budgetary resources or through contributions from relevant specialised organisations, charitable foundations, and civil society institutions. Conclusion. The following proposals are hereby made: firstly, to deepen the involvement of such institutions in solving children's rights issues in the Ukrainian state through the activities of permanent observers monitoring the observance of children's rights in the territory recognised by international norms as the territory of Ukraine; and secondly, to implement a register of children who, as a result of martial law, require ongoing additional financial support (for the subsequent distribution of charitable aid to prevent speculation in this area). Keywords: martial law, legal regime of martial law, restrictions on rights, protection of rights, children's rights, children's interests, international protection of children's rights, economic support, special period, financial assistance. JEL Classification: H56, K38 1. Introduction The imposition of martial law in Ukraine has precipitated a pervasive trend of enforced modifications in the operation of public institutions in general, and the executive branch in particular. These changes were driven by the need for a rapid and effective response to the challenges facing the Ukrainian state during the period of full-scale invasion. This situation also led to an urgent need to reconsider the role of public administration in the new socio-political Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 52 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 conditions and the specifics of managing key areas of societal life under martial law. It is imperative to direct particular attention to the legal framework of martial law, which constitutes an integral component of its characteristics and concomitantly has the potential to impose restrictions on human rights. It is generally accepted that a special legal regime may be defined as a suitable administrative form of operation in non-standard conditions. Such a regime is one which allows for the application of extraordinary measures, while ensuring their constitutionality. Concurrently, the legal regime facilitates the combination or differentiation of legal measures, contingent on the nature of the regulated social relations, the objectives pursued by the enforcer of the norm, and the integration of these measures with other political, economic, and informational measures. In the context of protecting children's rights, the operation of the martial law legal regime has introduced significant changes, including: an increase in the number of cases in which children require special state protection; the need to implement additional mechanisms for safeguarding children's rights and interests during martial law; and the necessity to involve international institutions focused on the protection of human rights in general, and children's rights in particular. As I. Koval (2023: 67) rightly notes, during difficult life circumstances, children must feel that they are comprehensively protected and not abandoned to face the harsh realities of life alone. In areas where active hostilities are not taking place, it is necessary to ensure the continuation of the educational process, as well as the functioning of extracurricular activities and centres providing social support for children and young people. During martial law, joint social work between children and their parents must be well coordinated (e.g., volunteering, socio-cultural events and legal awareness campaigns to inform parents and children of their social rights and guarantees). The emphasis should not be on the isolation of the child as a means of protecting them from negative emotions. Instead, the focus should be on the development of an age-appropriate conscious understanding of the realities of war. It is imperative to acknowledge the significance of financial and economic instruments in ensuring the rights and interests of children during periods of martial law. The primary concern pertains to the allocation of financial resources for the following purposes: transportation from temporarily occupied territories; the provision of humanitarian aid to children, including expenses for personal items, clothing, and hygiene products; and the provision of financial assistance to families, such as one-time cash payments. Some of these needs are addressed in part by volunteer organisations and international donors. However, there is a pressing need to develop a unified financial mechanism to cover costs specifically associated with ensuring children's rights during martial law (as emphasised in the Special Report by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights). The question of safeguarding children's rights in a military dictatorship has been the subject of scholarly discussion. For instance, A. Dutko (2023) emphasises that the state of war and active hostilities in Ukraine has resulted in the emergence of new realities, thereby rendering the prevailing legislation designed to protect children's rights largely ineffectual in the context of armed conflict. M.M. Sirant and S.I. Markin (2024) have stated that large-scale violations of children's rights have manifested in various forms of violence, deprivation of parental care, forced displacement from Ukraine, deprivation of liberty, and, most significantly, loss of life. In such circumstances, the state is obligated to exert its utmost efforts to repatriate all children who have been illegally removed from Ukraine, to reinstate their violated rights, and to guarantee their continued protection. In light of the challenges and needs that have arisen in the protection of children's rights during this exceptional period, there is a necessity to seek economically justified and legally established instruments for the resolution of these issues. The objective of this study is to ascertain the fundamental characteristics of international legal and economic support aspects for the protection of children's rights and interests under the legal regime of martial law. To this end, the following research tasks have been identified: firstly, to define the features of the martial law legal regime as a factor influencing the guarantee of fundamental rights and freedoms in the state; secondly, to outline international legal standards for the protection of children and their interests; and thirdly, to establish economically supportive and legal tools for safeguarding children's rights in Ukraine during this special period. In terms of practical significance, the results of this study can be used to develop effective tools that ensure children’s rights are adequately supported, both economically and legally, during wartime. 2. The Legal Regime of Martial Law as a Factor Influencing the Guarantee of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms in the State A plethora of definitions exists for the term "legal regime", denoting a specific area or issue to which it applies. These include, but are not limited to, the legal regime for conducting anti-terrorist operations, civil-military administrations, investment activities, environmental protection, human rights, and international treaties. However, research allows us to define a legal regime as a set of legal norms that Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 53 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 determine and regulate the legal status of specific subjects (establishing their rights, duties, and procedures for implementation), relations, and processes within a certain sphere. According to the prevailing normative definition of the concept, it is noteworthy that it is delineated in two Ukrainian laws, which provide identical definitions. According to the Law of Ukraine "On Legal Regime of Martial Law" (2015), as well as the Law of Ukraine "On Defenсe of Ukraine" (1991), martial law is defined as a special legal regime that is introduced in Ukraine or in specific regions in the event of armed aggression or the threat of attack, or danger to the state independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It involves granting the state authorities, the military command, the military administrations and the local self-government bodies the powers necessary to eliminate threats, repel armed aggression and ensure national security. It also involves temporarily restricting the constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals and legal entities due to the threat, with specified time limits. The Law of Ukraine "On Legal Regime of Martial Law" (2015) delineates the content of martial law, the procedure for its imposition and cancellation, and the legal foundations of the activities of state authorities, military command, military administrations, local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions, and organisations under martial law. Furthermore, it guarantees the human and citizen rights and the legal interests of legal entities. Consequently, the Law of Ukraine "On Defenсe of Ukraine" (1991) establishes the principles of national defence and the powers of state authorities, as well as the functions and tasks of military administration bodies, local state administrations, local self-government bodies, obligations of enterprises, institutions, organisations, officials, and the rights and duties of citizens in the field of defence. In examining the academic definition of the term "martial law legal regime", it becomes evident that scholars delineate it in accordance with the established legal definition. This is attributable to the national and security-related significance of a unified interpretation of this concept. Thus, the legal regime of martial law can be defined as a set of legal norms that determine the conditions and procedures for introducing martial law in a particular country. This involves restricting citizens’ rights and freedoms, imposing additional obligations, applying special security measures, changing the legal status of citizens and establishing liability for violating martial law. The legal regime of martial law is characterised by several key features. It constitutes a special legal framework that is temporary in nature and requires a formal legal procedure for its enactment. Martial law may be imposed either across the entire territory of Ukraine or in specific regions. The factual grounds for its declaration include armed aggression, the threat of an attack, or a danger to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. This regime entails a range of interventionist measures that significantly expand the powers of public authorities. However, it may also involve restrictions on constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals, as well as the legal interests of juridical persons. The imposition of martial law in Ukraine precipitated a transition in living conditions for the population, concomitant with alterations to the prevailing social and state order. With regard to the constitutional and legal status of individuals and citizens, certain constitutional rights were restricted, including the right to freedom of movement and the right to leave Ukraine (Article 33), the secrecy of correspondence (Article 31), the right to hold meetings, rallies, marches, and demonstrations (Article 39), and the inviolability of private property (Article 41) (The Constitution of Ukraine, 1996), among others. Examining international experience with the introduction of martial law, the following should be noted. The practice exists in many countries and is based on international legal instruments, such as: 1) The Geneva Conventions (1949) are a set of four international treaties that establish legal norms for the regulation of warfare and the protection of individuals affected by armed conflict. The fundamental principles that underpin this approach include humanity, the distinction between civilians and combatants, the protection of civilians, and the humane treatment of prisoners of war. 2) The Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977) constitutes a further development and supplementation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions with the objective of enhancing civilian protection, placing limits on the use of certain weapons and methods of warfare, and affirming the protection of individuals not directly participating in hostilities. 3) The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) is an international legal instrument that establishes general principles and rules for the conclusion, application, and termination of international treaties. The convention emphasises several key concepts, including state consent, good faith execution, the principle of pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept), and fair interpretation. 4) The European Convention on Human Rights (1950) is a legally binding instrument that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including liberty, privacy, and non-discrimination (Article 14). Protocol No. 12 (2000) serves to reinforce anti-discrimination provisions, thereby extending the scope of protection to encompass all rights provided by the state, and not solely those enumerated in the Convention. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 54 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 These transformations in various areas of public relations reflect the operation of the legal regime of martial law, which is objectively necessary to safeguard Ukraine's statehood, integrity, and existence as a sovereign state. Concomitantly, for legal prescriptions to be efficacious, there is a necessity for their acceptance by the population. Indeed, it is evident that the Ukrainian citizens have mobilised with the objective of preserving the state, and have acquiesced to the limitation of their rights, as well as the obligation to adhere to the principles of the special legal regime. In such circumstances, it can be posited that the concept of national self-identification is being reinvigorated as a foundational principle for the fulfilment of the conditions of martial law. 3. International Legal Standards for the Protection of Children and Their Interests In accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the term "child" is defined as "every human being below the age of eighteen years, unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier" (Art. 1). At the same time, the States Parties undertake to create conditions that ensure the rights of children and promote their interests. This includes sensitive rights for Ukrainian children, such as protection and care (Art. 3); ensuring, to the maximum extent possible, the survival and healthy development of children (Art. 6); ensuring that children are not separated from their parents against their will (Art. 9); and taking measures to combat the illicit transfer and non-return of children abroad (Art. 11), etc. This international document serves as the foundation of the international legal mechanism for the protection of children's rights and corresponds to the principles of ensuring a happy childhood and the primacy of child rights compliance through legislative and other measures, as enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959). In addition, the international community has adopted legal instruments with a particular focus on the rights of children and the requirements for their protection. For example, the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (2007) was ratified in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse" (2012). The Convention provides for measures aimed at: (a) preventing the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, and combatting these phenomena; (b) protecting the rights of children who have fallen victim to sexual exploitation and sexual abuse; and (c) promoting national and international co-operation in combatting the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Another example is the Convention on Contact concerning Children (2007), ratified under the Law of Ukraine “On the ratification of the Convention on Contact concerning Children” (2012). In accordance with international norms, contact with a child is defined as the child's temporary stay with a person with whom the child does not usually reside, or meeting with such a person, as well as any form of communication between the child and such person, and the provision of information to such person about the child or to the child about such person. Concurrently, it is imperative to ensure that the child is granted the opportunity for contact with both parents and other individuals with whom they have a familial relationship. A significant international regulatory instrument for children’s rights in both peacetime and under martial law is the 2000 Convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which was ratified by Ukraine in the same year (The Law of Ukraine "On the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour"). The implementation and assurance of international legal standards for children's rights is the responsibility of national institutions, as well as a number of subjects of international law, including intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. These include the United Nations, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the International Court of Justice, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. UNICEF established its Representative Office in Ukraine in 1997. Since then, it has supported the Ukrainian government in developing and implementing programmes in healthcare, water and sanitation, education, and child protection. Furthermore, since the conflict began in eastern Ukraine, UNICEF has been working to fulfil key commitments to meet children’s humanitarian needs, particularly with regard to access to education, psychosocial support, water and sanitation, mine risk education, maternal and child healthcare, and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the key objectives of UNICEF’s program for Ukraine for 2018–2022 is the progressive realization of the rights of all children in Ukraine and reducing disparities in access to essential services, while balancing humanitarian work, development activities, and priorities related to peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery (Official website of the UNICEF Office in Ukraine). International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) are entities established on the basis of Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 55 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 founding documents registered in accordance with the national legislation of a particular country. Examples include Amnesty International, which conducts research and advocacy aimed at preventing and ending serious violations of children’s rights; Lumos, a charitable organisation focused on the deinstitutionalisation of children and the development of family- and community-based care; the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which provides assistance to Jewish and other at-risk populations displaced by conflict or persecution, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or nationality; World Vision International, a faith- based non-profit organisation engaged in humanitarian aid at both regional and global levels; the Alliance for Childhood European Network Group, which seeks to promote respect for childhood as the foundation of human development and to raise public awareness of children’s needs; and The End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation working to combat the sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography, prostitution, trafficking, and exploitation in the context of travel and tourism (Kolomoiets, 2019: 70). The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children plays a significant role in ensuring children’s rights. One example of co-operation is the meeting held at the UN headquarters, which was the result of their active work on the topic: "Responding to Child Abduction and Deportation during Armed Conflicts: Concrete Measures for Accountability and Prevention". The objective was to raise awareness among the international community of the issue of child abduction and deportation during armed conflict, with a particular focus on the context of Russia's war against Ukraine (Special report by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights). It is evident that international standards for children's rights are constituted by a set of legal norms that have been codified at the convention level and recognised by States Parties. Ukraine has accepted these standards through ratification. The responsibility for ensuring these standards is divided between several international institutions whose activities are of particular importance for Ukraine during martial law. It is recommended that their involvement in the resolution of child rights issues in Ukraine be furthered through the activities of permanent observers, who would be responsible for monitoring compliance with children's rights in Ukrainian-recognized territories. 4. Economic and Legal Means of Protecting Children’s Rights in Ukraine During a Special Period The legal means of protecting children’s rights in Ukraine are embedded in a body of legal acts of varying legal force, such as the Laws of Ukraine "On State Assistance to Families with Children" (1992), "On Childhood Protection" (2001), "On Basic Principles of Youth Policy" (2021), the Family Code of Ukraine (2002); and subordinate regulatory acts, such as the Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Establishment of the Coordination Headquarters for the Protection of Children’s Rights under Martial Law" (2022), and "Certain Issues of Protection of Persons Deported or Forcibly Displaced in Connection with the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine" (2023), etc. Consequently, the procedures for conferring special statuses on children are pervasive, particularly under martial law, and are a prerequisite for the application of additional legal and economic protection mechanisms. These include: the status of “orphan,” which applies to children whose parents have died (The Law of Ukraine "On Childhood Protection", 2001); and "child separated from the family" (The Law of Ukraine "On Refugees and Persons in Need of Subsidiary Protection or Asylum", 2011). The acquisition of specific legal status is often associated with events pertaining to warfare, armed conflict, violence, or other challenging life circumstances. For instance, this encompasses the specific statuses of "child affected by hostilities and armed conflict" and "child in need of additional protection". In this particular instance, special legal subjectivity is acquired upon confirmation that the child, at the time of the anti-terrorist operation and measures to ensure national security and defence, to repel and deter the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, had not reached the age of 18 (majority) and was affected by the hostilities and armed conflict. Such cases include: physical injury, contusion, mutilation; physical or sexual abuse; abduction or unlawful removal outside Ukraine; involvement in the activities of militarised or armed groups; unlawful detention, including captivity; and psychological abuse. The conferral of this special status is the responsibility of the guardianship authority. It is granted on the basis of the child's place of residence or registration as an internally displaced person. Alternatively, it may be granted at the place of residence of the child in a locality where anti-terrorist operations and national defence measures have been conducted. In certain circumstances, the location of the child may be determined by local executive authorities and/or local self-government bodies. The procedural basis for the aforementioned status is determined by the decision of the guardianship and custody authority. The rights granted to children affected by hostilities and armed conflict include: the right to family unity; the right to assistance from state and local government bodies, as well as private entities, in searching for and reuniting with family members lost due to internal Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 56 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 displacement; the right to information on the fate and whereabouts of missing family members and close relatives; the right to safe living conditions and healthcare. The child also has the right to reliable information about threats to their life and health in both their former place of residence and their temporary settlement, as well as information about the state of the infrastructure and environment, and about the observance of their rights and freedoms. They have the right to proper conditions for permanent or temporary residence, and the right to free meals in preschools, general secondary schools, and vocational institutions, regardless of their subordination, type, or ownership. Among the key guarantees of the rights of children affected by hostilities and armed conflict are the activities carried out by authorised public administration bodies. These include the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, central and local executive authorities, and local self-government bodies responsible for ensuring the rights and freedoms of internally displaced persons. Also involved are the central executive bodies in charge of healthcare policy; social protection and the provision of social services; volunteer engagement; family and child welfare; child rehabilitation and recreation; and adoption and child rights protection. The latter also provides coordination and methodological support to local executive authorities and local governments in ensuring the social protection of internally displaced orphans and children deprived of parental care. Additionally, the central authority responsible for education and science policy plays a vital role in safeguarding and realising these rights (The Law of Ukraine "On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons", 2014). Thus, the legal means of protecting the rights and interests of children under martial law in Ukraine constitute a system of legislative instruments with clearly defined procedures. These procedures enable children to acquire special statuses, which provide additional entitlements and economic benefits aimed at optimally promoting and protecting their fundamental rights. With regard to the economic support measures, the provision of financial assistance to children during the period of martial law takes the form of monetary payments and the meeting of specific needs. These needs are met at the expense of the state budget or relevant specialized organisations, charitable foundations, and civil society institutions. For instance, children with the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are entitled to monthly financial assistance in the amount of 3,000 UAH (social assistance for those affected by the war). Financial support for children from the state budget is provided in accordance with Part 6 of Article 30-1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Child Protection" (2011) and the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Approval of the Procedure for Granting Status to Children Affected by Military Actions and Armed Conflicts" (2017). This support is granted to children and persons who, during the anti-terrorist operation and measures to ensure national security and defence, to repel and contain the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, had not reached the age of 18 and who, as a result of military actions and armed conflicts, sustained physical or psychological injuries and are entitled to receive the status of a child affected by military actions and armed conflicts. A child under the age of 18, as well as a person who, during the anti-terrorist operation and national defence activities: 1) sustained wounds, concussions or injuries; 2) suffered physical or sexual violence; 3) were abducted or taken out of Ukraine unlawfully; 4) were involved in the activities of paramilitary or armed groups; 5) were detained illegally, including being held captive; 6) suffered psychological abuse. The status is granted by the guardianship and custody authority, including at the place of registration or residence of the child as an internally displaced person, or at the child's location in a settlement where anti- terrorist operations and national defence activities took place (in Donetsk and Luhansk regions), or at the location where such a child is identified by local executive authorities and/or local self-government bodies. The consequences of military actions and armed conflicts for children may involve one or several of the above-listed circumstances. In order to grant the status, the applicant is required to identify the circumstance that had the most significant negative impact on the child's health and development. Material assistance is provided to children with the status of "Child affected by military actions and armed conflicts" on an annual basis. The amount allocated for this purpose is 2,000 UAH per child under the age of 18. In the case of full-time study at institutions of higher education (Levels I–IV of accreditation) or vocational education institutions, the assistance is provided until the end of such studies, but not beyond the age of 23. The procedure for granting the status of a child affected by military actions and armed conflicts sets out the terms for this. An illustration of supplementary financial assistance for children during periods of martial law is the initiative undertaken by the charitable organisation "SOS Children's Villages," which provides support to families of children who have been injured as a consequence of hostilities in Ukraine. This is a comprehensive assistance programme that includes monetary compensation (10,000 UAH), assistance with document processing, legal consultations, and psychological support. The programme adopts an integrated approach, encompassing the following components: a one-time financial assistance of Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 57 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 10,000 UAH per injured child; assistance with the processing of social benefits, the recognition of disability status, and the acquisition of other special statuses; medical services (including diagnostics, medication, surgeries, and prosthetics); consultations on social issues and legal support; rehabilitation expenses; psychological support for children and their families; and other types of assistance contingent on the family's specific needs. Access to such an economic support measure is contingent upon the completion of an application procedure and the submission of a comprehensive documentation portfolio. The following documents are required: the passport of one parent or another legal representative of the child; the tax identification number of the legal representative; the child's birth certificate or passport; the child's tax identification number (if available); bank account details (IBAN number); and, to substantiate the injury, a medical report and a certificate from the National Police or an extract from the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (if available) (SOS Children’s Villages). One example of the material support provided by international organisations focused on children is the programme implemented by UNICEF in co-operation with Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, which includes multi-purpose and winterisation cash assistance for vulnerable families with children living in frontline areas. Due to changes in the context of the war and financial constraints in 2023, UNICEF's cash assistance programme shifted its focus towards families with children living in newly liberated and frontline areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. In 2024, UNICEF is implementing two cash transfer programs: a multi-purpose cash assistance program to support vulnerable households with children to meet their basic needs, and a winter cash assistance program to support households with children during the cold season. Both programs are implemented in partnership with and supported by the Government of Ukraine, specifically the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine. The 2024 UNICEF Multi-purpose Cash Assistance Program is focused on providing cash assistance to vulnerable households with children in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk regions, where hostilities and forced evacuations are ongoing (UNICEF Humanitarian Cash Assistance Program for Ukrainians). It is important to note that international programmes operate in co-operation with national state institutions and may adjust the distribution and direction of funds depending on the situation and needs. It is also important to emphasise that receipt of financial support through a state programme does not exclude the right to receive assistance from international or charitable organisations. In light of the magnitude of monetary assistance and the exigencies of children during wartime, it is challenging to evaluate the adequacy of these economic support measures. It is recommended that a Register of children who, as a consequence of martial law, require ongoing additional financial support be established. It is submitted that, should such a Register be compiled, it would be possible to distribute charitable financial assistance with greater effect and to prevent speculation in this area. 5. Conclusions The legal regime of martial law is defined as a set of legal norms that establish the conditions and procedure for the imposition of martial law in a particular country. This is accompanied by restrictions on citizens' rights and freedoms, the imposition of additional obligations, the application of special security measures, changes in the legal status of citizens, and the introduction of liability for violations of the legal regime of martial law. The implementation of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine has introduced vectors of change in various types of social relations, which are objectively necessary to ensure the statehood of Ukraine, its territorial integrity, and, in general, its existence as a state. Concurrently, there are restrictions on certain rights of children and additional risks of violations, as well as an absence of proper guarantees. The legal norms established at the conventional level, recognised by Ukraine through ratification, have been analysed. It is important to note that the enforcement of international standards for the rights of the child is carried out by a number of international institutions, whose activities are of great importance for Ukraine during the period of martial law. In the context of the martial law regime in Ukraine, the legal mechanisms designed to ensure the protection of children's rights and interests are understood to comprise a series of legislative instruments that are clearly defined and have clearly defined application procedures. The implementation of these mechanisms confers upon children specific statuses that enable the provision of additional legal entitlements and economic preferences, with the objective of optimally promoting and safeguarding their fundamental rights as children. In the context of martial law, economic support measures are employed as a means of ensuring children's rights. These measures encompass the allocation of financial assistance to children, typically in the form of monetary payments, as well as the fulfilment of specific needs. The financial resources for these measures are derived from the state budget or the funds of relevant specialized organisations, charitable foundations, and civil society institutions. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 58 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 It is recommended that the following measures be taken: first, to enhance their involvement in addressing the problems of children's rights in the Ukrainian state through the activities of permanent observers monitoring the state of children's rights on territory recognised by international norms as the territory of Ukraine; second, to introduce a Register of children who, as a result of martial law, require constant additional financial support (in order to facilitate the further distribution of financial assistance from charitable organisations and to prevent speculation in this area). References: Koval, I. (2023). Protection of the rights and legal interests of children during the war in Ukraine. Bulletin of Lviv Polytechnic National University. Series: Legal Sciences, Vol. 10, 2 (38), 66–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23939/ law2023.38.066 Special report by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. Actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities to protect children's rights. Available at: https://ombudsman.gov.ua/childrenofwar-2023/dii-vlady- ukrainy-spriamovani-na-zakhyst-prav-ditei Dutko, A. (2023). Protection of children’s rights in the conditions of russia’s aemed aggression against Ukraine. Teka Komisji Prawniczej PAN Oddział w Lublinie, vol. XVI, 2023, no. 1, pp. 47–58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32084/ tkp.5554 Sirant, M. M., & Markin, S. I. (2024). Protection of children’s rights under martial law. Juridical Scientific and Electronic Journal, 2, 694–696. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0374/2024-2/172 The Law of Ukraine "On Legal Regime of Martial Law" of May 12, 2015, No. 389-VIII. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). zakon.rada.gov.ua. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/389-19#Text The Law of Ukraine "On Defence of Ukraine" of December 6, 1991, No. 1932-XII. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). zakon.rada.gov.ua. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1932- 12#Text The Constitution of Ukraine from June 6, 1996, No. 254k/96-VR. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2 %D1%80#Text The Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949, No. 995_154. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/995_154#Text Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol 1)  of June 8, 1977. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/995_199#Text Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties from May 23, 1969. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/995_118#Text The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (with Protocols) (European Convention on Human Rights) of November 4, 1950. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/995_004#Text Protocol No. 12 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ETS No. 177) of November 4, 2000. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/994_537#Text Convention on the Rights of the Child of November 20, 1989. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/995_021#Text Declaration of the Rights of the Child of November 20, 1959. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/995_384#Text The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse of October 25, 2007. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/994_927 The Law of Ukraine "On the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse" from June 20, 2012, No. 4988-VI. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/4988-17#n2 Convention on Contact concerning Children of May 15, 2003, No. ETSN192. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/ laws/show/994_659#Text The Law of Ukraine "On the ratification of the Convention on Contact concerning Children" of September 20, 2006, No. 166-V. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/166-16#Text Convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour from June 17, 1999, No. 182. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/993_166#Text The Law of Ukraine "On the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour" of October 5, 2000, No. 2022. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2022-14#Text Official website of the UNICEF Office in Ukraine. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/about-unicef Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 59 Vol. 11 No. 3, 2025 Kolomoiets, N. V. (2019). Administrative and legal protection of children's rights in Ukraine. Kharkiv: Panov, 352 р. The Law of Ukraine "On State Assistance to Families with Children" of November 21, 1992, No. 2811-XII. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/ show/2811-12/ed20210414#Text The Law of Ukraine "On Childhood Protection" of April 26, 2001, No. 2402-III]. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2402-14/ed20 201231#Text The Law of Ukraine "On Basic Principles of Youth Policy" of April 27, 2021, No. 1414-IX. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1414-20#Text The Family Code of Ukraine of January 10, 2021, No. 2947-III. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2947-14/ed20210101#Text The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Establishment of the Coordination Headquarters for the Protection of Children’s Rights under Martial Law" of March 17, 2022, No. 302. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/302-2022-%D0%BF#Text The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "Certain Issues of Protection of Persons Deported or Forcibly Displaced in Connection with the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine" of April 18, 2023, No. 339. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/339-2023-%D0%BF#Text The Law of Ukraine "On Refugees and Persons in Need of Subsidiary Protection or Asylum" of July 8, 2011, No. 3671. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/ laws/show/3671-17#Text The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Approval of the Procedure for Granting Status to Children Affected by Military Actions and Armed Conflicts" of April 5, 2017, No. 268. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/268-2017-%D0%BF#n8 The Law of Ukraine "On Ensuring the Rights and Freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons" of October 20, 2014, No. 1706. The Official Bulletin of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (BVR). zakon.rada.gov.ua. Available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1706-18#Text Social assistance to war victims (n.d.). Available at: https://groshi.edopomoga.gov.ua/ Granting status to a child who has suffered as a result of hostilities and armed conflicts (n.d.). Available at: https://guide.diia.gov.ua/view/nadannia-statusu-dytyny-iaka-postrazhdala-vnaslidok-voiennykh-dii-ta- zbroinykh-konfliktiv-3279524a-9782-4d48-ace5-c1428868e365 SOS Children's Villages Ukraine (n.d.). Available at: https://sos-ukraine.org/nasha-robota/shho-robymo/ dopomoga-poranenym-dityam/ UNICEF Humanitarian Cash Assistance Program for Ukrainians (n.d.). Available at: https://www.unicef.org/ ukraine/spilno-cash-transfers Received on: 28th of April, 2025 Accepted on: 15th of June, 2025 Published on: 09th of July, 2025