On October 1, the Third Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children took place, bringing together representatives of the Coalition’s member countries, Ukrainian officials, and international organizations. The primary goal of the event was to discuss ways to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia and temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, opened the meeting with a video address, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing this challenge. Yevhen Perebyinis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, highlighted the grave consequences of Russia's forced deportation of over a thousand Ukrainian children and stressed that this constituted a crime against humanity that required a strong response from the international community.

“We stand together to address one of the most critical challenges of our time: returning and reintegrating our children safely”, - stressed Yevhen Perebyinis. He also highlighted the Coalition’s achievements thanks to the dedicated joint efforts of its member states, international organisations and NGOs, particularly in providing psychological support and rehabilitation to Ukrainian children.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Government of Canada, whose commitment to raising global awareness of Russia's deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children and to mobilizing international support is invaluable.

Following the meeting, Ukraine and Canada presented a Co-Chair’s Joint Statement, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to addressing the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children, as well as ensuring the full realization of these children and securing comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace based on international law.

The provisions of this Statement will serve as a basis for the upcoming Ministerial Conference on Human Rights to be held in Canada on 30-31 October 2024.

The key principles set out in the Joint Statement are the following:

• Transparency: Russia must provide full access to comprehensive data on Ukrainian children within its territory. This includes vital information on their location, legal status, any changes to their personal status.
• Access: The Russian Federation must grant international missions unrestricted access to all Ukrainian children on its territory.
• Support for humanitarian efforts: Continued support for Ukraine’s humanitarian initiatives, in cooperation with international partners and humanitarian organizations, aimed at rescuing children from deportation and forced transfer, including facilitating the evacuation of those at risk of deportation or forced transfer.
• Long-term support and reintegration: Commitment to provide inclusive support for survivor-centered and child-rights based reintegration programs. These programs must be sensitive to gender, age, and the specific needs of child victims and must always prioritize the best interests of the child.
• Access to justice: Ensure that children have access to legal aid and, where appropriate, access to the courts to obtain lasting justice and reparation.