Council of Europe Holds Solidarity Event for Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA Initiative

Solidarity Event for the Bring Kids Back UA Initiative

According to МЗС: On February 11, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the Council of Europe organized a solidarity event for the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from both the Council of Europe and the European Union, underscoring the critical importance of repatriating Ukrainian children who were unlawfully deported. The Council of Europe joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in November 2024, demonstrating broad international backing for this cause. This issue has become a central focus for European institutions since Russia's full-scale invasion.

European Court of Human Rights Ruling

In a landmark decision on July 9, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held Russia accountable for mass human rights violations, including the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The case was brought before the court by Ukraine and the Netherlands. This ruling represents a significant legal step in the fight for the rights of children caught in the conflict.

In September 2025, the Register of Damages established a separate claims category specifically for crimes against children. The International Coalition, which includes the Council of Europe, is calling on Russia to immediately and unconditionally return all illegally deported and forcibly displaced children. Furthermore, the coalition demands that Russia provide full and accurate information on the children's whereabouts, health, and legal status, and cease practices that alter their identity, such as illegal adoption, indoctrination, and militarization. These efforts aim to protect children's rights and ensure their well-being during this crisis.

This solidarity action and the support of the international community highlight the grave situation facing Ukrainian children who have become victims of the conflict. - Source not specified.

The return of these unlawfully taken children is not only a fundamental human rights issue but also a crucial step toward restoring their identity and a normal life. The ECHR ruling and the work of international organizations reflect growing global attention to this problem, which is likely to shape future diplomatic and legal actions concerning the region.