Coordinating the Return of Deported Children: Ukraine and the Council of Europe Forge a Plan

Ukraine and Council of Europe Officials Meet to Plan the Return of Deported Children

According to Міністерство соц. політики: On the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Denys Ulutin met with the Council of Europe Secretary General's Special Representative, Tordis Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gísladóttir. The meeting focused on protecting children's rights, coordinating international efforts, and planning the return of children illegally deported by Russia. This issue has become a major international concern since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the deportation of Ukrainian children.

The forced removal of Ukrainian children is a systematic policy of Russia, which has caused grave international alarm. Discussions centered on the rehabilitation and reintegration of these children, as well as the crucial need for coordination between international bodies and Ukrainian national institutions. All parties emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding children's rights amidst the ongoing conflict.

The State of Child Welfare in Ukraine

Ukraine reports that 92% of its orphans and children deprived of parental care are now raised in family-based settings. This figure highlights the country's ongoing efforts to reform its childcare system and ensure the well-being of vulnerable children. The joint efforts with the Council of Europe aim to both repatriate deported children and improve their long-term societal integration.

This meeting marks a significant step in the process of returning deported children, underscoring the broad international support for Ukraine against the illegal actions of Russian authorities. Coordinating various institutions will help establish effective mechanisms for reintegrating children into society and guaranteeing their rights.

Given the protracted nature of the conflict, the issue of children's rights will remain a priority on both national and international agendas for the foreseeable future.