"Ahead of UN World Children's Day, marked on November 20, we, the representatives of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, emphasize that every child has the inalienable right to live in safety, with their family, and in their homeland. This right, enshrined in international law as universal and inalienable, must be respected at all times, including during armed conflict and occupation. It cannot be questioned by any individual, any state, any political agenda or any armed conflict.
"The full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has caused deaths and injuries, pain and orphanhood for Ukrainian children and resulted in their forcible transfer and deportation. These actions constitute a direct violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as numerous resolutions. Many children have been unlawfully deprived of the ability to maintain contact with their families and friends, to receive education in their native language, and to preserve their national identity.
"We support Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and bring forcibly transferred and deported children back home. We express solidarity with the families who, for years, have lived in uncertainty and pain, waiting for the return of their children. Thousands of Ukrainian children have suffered forcible transfer, deportation, destruction of identity, or other forms of violence and remain under the control of the Russian Federation. These actions may amount to war crimes. We remain alarmed by the ongoing lack of full transparency and comprehensive information from the Russian Federation.
"The Russian Federation must respect its obligations under international humanitarian law and allow access for independent international mechanisms, including for third-party countries trusted by the parties, to provide assistance and supportive services to Ukrainian children in Russia.
"As co-chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Canada and Ukraine call for:
- the Russian Federation to immediately provide comprehensive information on all Ukrainian children under its control and to grant immediate access for international mechanisms to all locations where Ukrainian children are being held,
- support for and enhancement of effective international mechanisms for locating, identifying, and returning abducted children,
- accountability of all individuals and institutions involved in the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, in accordance with international law,
- support for rehabilitation and psychosocial assistance for the children who have returned, as well as for their families.
"We express our gratitude to all states, international organizations, humanitarian partners, and human rights institutions that continue to assist Ukraine in bringing children back home. We call for intensified diplomatic efforts, political pressure on the Russian Federation, and practical actions to end these grave violations of children's rights and ensure their safe return.
"As we approach World Children's Day on November 20, we reaffirm that no child is a trophy of war. Ukrainian children must return home - without delay and without bargaining.
"We remain united and determined until the last Ukrainian child is returned to their family and homeland. As co-chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Canada and Ukraine reaffirm their shared responsibility to mobilize international action, deepen coordination, and work tirelessly until all Ukrainian children are safely back with their family, in their own country."
