Children from interracial families in Russia face serious issues each day: discrimination and economic uncertainty, often due to Russian hostility toward the children. These problems make mixed race children the most vulnerable members of society to social and economic racism.

The majority of families in the fund are single mothers, struggling to provide basic food and protection for their children. Many of these children's father do not even know of their child's existence. Others have no means of providing any financial or moral support. Many have left Russia for good. Mixed race children are obvious targets for attacks simply because of their skin colour. In a state where official human rights are poorly protected, children of mixed race heritage frequently become victims of open racism and discrimination.

“Metis” has worked with mixed race children from interracial marriages and with their families for more than 16 years. Through consultations and questionnaires conducted during ethnic gatherings, it has became clear that the children suffer greatly because of their skin colour. These children are in urgent need of social, psychological and legal protection.  Most fall into a high-risk group of social orphanhood (single parent families, destitute, with high potential for social problems). We can and must help these children.