We, the participants of the meeting of the Council on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine – representatives of state authorities, international organisations, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and the expert community – declare:
That the return of children illegally deported or forcibly transferred by the Russian Federation is an unequivocal priority of Ukraine’s diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts, as well as those of its international partners. This is critical to the promotion and protection of children’s rights, as well as a matter of dignity, justice and the nation’s future.
The violations of international humanitarian law – in particular, the Fourth Geneva Convention – include deportation, forced displacement, forced Russification, and the adoption of Ukrainian children by citizens of the Russian Federation , and we call on the international community to intensify pressure on Russia to ensure the immediate return of Ukrainian children.
Our full support for the President of Ukraine’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA and the activities of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children as instruments of intergovernmental and multilateral cooperation and advocacy, enhancing diplomatic pressure on the aggressor state to return Ukrainian children.
That the best interests of the child are a primary consideration across our efforts.
That gender sensitivity and the consideration of the specific needs of children of all ages and experiences must be integrated into all policies and measures related to rehabilitation and reintegration.
The importance of carrying out information and public advocacy efforts, and supporting campaigns to counter Russian disinformation globally, particularly attempts to justify the abduction of Ukrainian children.
A call to international partners to continue raising the issue at key international platforms (e.g., the United Nations, Council of Europe, OSCE).
Our support for the efforts of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in investigating and documenting crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression, for the eventual prosecution of those responsible for the forced displacement and deportation of children, and for the establishment of mechanisms for reparations and compensation for victims.
We express our gratitude to our international partners – including the United Nations, UNICEF, the Council of Europe, and partner states – for their support of Ukraine’s efforts to protect children’s rights.
We are united in our conviction that the protection of the rights of Ukrainian children must remain high on the international agenda until all Ukrainian citizens are fully released from the control of the aggressor state, safely returned home and all rights guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are fully upheld.
The return of children is not only a humanitarian obligation – it is an act of justice.
We believe that only through respect for the rights of every child is it possible to build a just peace, restore trust, and uphold human dignity.