10/12/2023 News
PACE Vice-President Olena Khomenko (Ukraine, CE/AD) participated in the first meeting of the International Coalition of Countries for the Return of Ukrainian Children, representing PACE on behalf of President Tiny Kox.
“As parliamentarians, we can employ many instruments to increase awareness on the crimes committed by Russia and Belarus, debunk myths over these actions, strengthen and support Ukrainian governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations working directly with Ukrainian children and organising operations on their return,” she stressed.
In April 2023, the Assembly adopted a resolution that, among many things, recognised the genocidal nature of the Russian actions and demanded the safe return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia or territory it temporarily occupies, as well as accountability for those who carried it out at all levels. The Assembly called for access to Russia for the UN and the ICRC to gather information on deported children and to facilitate their return whenever possible.
On 15 December, the first meeting of the PACE ad hoc Committee on the situation with Ukrainian children will take place in Paris, where the discussion on practical steps to protect the rights of Ukrainian children will continue with the participation of Ukrainian and international experts.
Kyiv hosted on 8 December, the First Meeting of the International Coalition of Countries for the Return of Ukrainian Children. This was a high-level event attended by 72 representatives of other countries and international organisations. In particular, Canada, Qatar, the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway, the Netherlands, Estonia and others, as well as representatives of the UN Monitoring Mission, UNICEF, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and others.
The primary objective of the Coalition Meeting is to identify practical steps for the Coalition countries to support Ukraine on its mission to bring the deported and forcibly displaced children home, as well as engage the Coalition countries to undertake specific projects and commitments that ensure the safe repatriation, rehabilitation, and integration of these affected children.
