Co-Chairs of International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children Commemorate First Anniversary of Coalition’s Launch in Kyiv
February 2, 2025 – Today marks the first anniversary of the launch of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children (ICRUC) in Kyiv. The Coalition, co-chaired by Canada, Ukraine, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was established to address the urgent issue of children forcibly transferred or abducted from Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion.
Since its inception, the ICRUC has made significant progress in coordinating international efforts to locate, identify, and return Ukrainian children to their families. The Coalition has established a central database of missing children, developed guidelines for the safe repatriation of children, and provided support to families affected by forced transfers.
In a statement released today, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said, “Canada is deeply committed to supporting the return of Ukrainian children to their families. The ICRUC plays a vital role in ensuring that children who have been forcibly transferred or abducted are safely returned home.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed gratitude for the international support for the ICRUC. “We are determined to bring every Ukrainian child back home,” Kuleba said. “The ICRUC is a powerful tool in our fight against Russia’s war crimes against our children.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights during conflict. “Children should never be the targets of war,” Russell said. “The ICRUC is working tirelessly to reunite Ukrainian children with their families and ensure their well-being.”
Over the past year, the ICRUC has received reports of thousands of Ukrainian children being forcibly transferred to Russia and other occupied territories. Many of these children have been separated from their families and placed in institutions or foster care.
The ICRUC is calling on Russia to immediately cease the forcible transfer of children from Ukraine and to cooperate with international efforts to return children to their families. The Coalition also urges all countries to provide support to the ICRUC and to prioritize the safe return of Ukrainian children.
Additional Information:
- The ICRUC is composed of 30 countries and international organizations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union.
- The Coalition has established a network of contact points in countries where Ukrainian children may be held.
- The ICRUC has developed a set of principles for the safe repatriation of children, which include the importance of obtaining parental consent and ensuring that children are not returned to situations of danger.
- The Coalition is working with families to provide support and information throughout the repatriation process.
- The ICRUC has launched a global campaign to raise awareness of the issue of forced transfers of Ukrainian children.
The Co-Chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children mark the first anniversary of its launch in Kyiv
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