Speaking at the International Conference "Negotiating Peace for Ukraine: International Law Dimensions and Implications" at the Vilnius University on 3 October, the Special Envoy of Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjord Gylfadóttir called on everyone - academics, politicians and practitioners - to dedicate more attention, funds and efforts towards saving and rebuilding the lives of children of Ukraine.
Thousands of children taken from the territory of Ukraine and placed within the Russian Federation, in Belarus or away from their families in the temporarily occupied territories must be found, tracked and brought back home, the Special Envoy said.
However, the return of children is only the first stage in recovery from the terrible trauma these children have suffered. "Years and decades of support will be needed to help manage and heal the scars of trauma that will mark their lives", Thórdís Gylfadóttir stressed.
"We need to prioritise our efforts. We need attention - and we need to speak clearly and educate society about what is at stake. We need funds - and we should direct them into efforts that lead directly to the freeing of children, the caring for them-and their rehabilitation," the Special Envoy stated. "And above all - we need people who will be there to hold the hands of these children, to look them in the eye and help them trust again". Trauma-informed care, central to her mandate, will be essential in this regard.
The international conference is organised by the Ukrainian Law Centre of Vilnius University and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. It brings together politicians, academic and experts to discuss international law dimensions, their role and implications for the negotiations towards just, long-lasting and comprehensive peace for Ukraine. The Special Envoy addressed the panel focusing on human rights and humanitarian law "Aiming for humanity".
