The Co-Chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children mark the first anniversary of its launch in Kyiv

Statement

February 2, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

“One year ago today, Ukraine and Canada launched the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and held its first plenary meeting in Kyiv. Since then, 41 States as well as the Council of Europe have joined the Coalition in a collective commitment to bring Ukrainian children home. The invitation to join remains open to any country wanting to help with this important mission.

“Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian

children have been forcibly displaced, transferred, or deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Russia began this shameful practice of deportation after invading Crimea in 2014, and since 2022 it has escalated into a deliberate policy of mass deportation of Ukrainian children Russia has been working to erase children’s Ukrainian identity by restricting access to the Ukrainian language and history, limiting alternative sources of information, and forcibly imposing Russian citizenship. Investigative reports also show Russia has changed the names and places of birth of some children in its care. These efforts aim to strengthen Russia’s long-term influence over the future of the Ukrainian people. With the help of Coalition Member States and other key international partners, Ukraine has successfully facilitated the safe return of nearly 600 children last year. However, thousands more remain separated from the comfort of their culture, their loved ones and their homes. This is unacceptable: innocent children cannot be used as pawns in war.

“The Montreal Pledge, launched at the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s Peace Formula held in Montreal in October 2024, serves as a roadmap to find practical solutions for the return to Ukraine of deported children, as well as Prisoners of War and unlawfully detained civilians. 53 countries and multilateral organisations have signed on to the Montreal Pledge, affirming their commitment to supporting a just outcome for illegally deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

“But much still needs to be done:

• We urgently call on Russia to immediately end the practice of deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children and to fully cooperate in efforts to return Ukraine’s children.
• We invite all countries and organizations to join us in the Coalition and to sign the Montreal Pledge.
• We invite countries to continue or consider supporting programs of reintegration and rehabilitation, including programs for children who have been subjected to deportation, forced transfer, and the devastating impacts of war, within the framework of the "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative.
• We commend the mediation efforts undertaken by countries to locate and return Ukrainian children and call on others to actively contribute to these efforts.

“Our collective commitment is critical for realizing the rights of these children, promoting international peace and security, and upholding international law. We stand united and reaffirm our commitment to the guiding principles articulated in our Joint Declaration one year ago today and our further Joint Statement in October 2024.

Quotes

“Canada has been working hard to raise awareness about the situation of displaced Ukrainian children, including through the Montreal Conference and UN resolutions and other events.  These efforts help keep their plight at the forefront of international diplomacy and public policy. We’ve also provided technical support through our embassy in Kyiv and funding for local efforts. Many of these initiatives, announced by the Prime Minister in June 2024, are now up and running, showing Canada’s dedication to practical, on-the-ground assistance.”

-     Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Russia’s systemic deportation of Ukrainian children is a crime rooted in imperial practices, aimed at erasing their identity. Returning them remains a top priority for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We have secured commitments. We have established a network of specific countries. Thanks to international support, we are bringing back Ukrainian children stolen by Putin's regime to their families, but thousands remain illegally held. Russia must stop obstructing justice. We urge all nations to join the Coalition and sign the Joint Communiqué — no child should be a pawn in war. Together, we will bring them home.”