French and Canadian foreign ministers promise to develop a roadmap with concrete measures to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia
The situation of abducted Ukrainian children, who were illegally taken to Russia during a full-scale war, remains one of the key humanitarian issues of deep concern on the international stage. This issue requires a coordinated effort at the global level to bring children home, restore their rights and ensure proper conditions for their future lives. That is why, during the ministerial conference on the human dimension in Montreal, which will be held at the end of October, the foreign ministers of France and Canada announced the creation of a “road map” with concrete measures that will be the answer to this challenge.
In particular, Jean-Noël Barro, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, and his Canadian colleague Melanie Joly confirmed that during this conference, which will last from October 30 to 31, there will be an active discussion of ways to return Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia. In their joint statement, they emphasized that Russia’s aggression, which led to the displacement of children, is unacceptable from the point of view of international law. Government representatives also expressed deep concern about the war crimes committed against these children and their future fate, calling on the international community not to delay in taking action.
“The ministerial conference on the human dimension of the 10-point peace formula for Ukraine in Montreal on October 30-31 will provide an opportunity to work together to achieve these goals, in particular, to develop a road map with specific measures for the return home of Ukrainian children who became victims of Russia’s aggressive war” , – the text of the statement says.
In addition, the text of the joint statement emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the return of children, which includes not only repatriation, but also assistance to affected children in access to education and medical care. France has undertaken to increase funding for a number of international organizations, including the UN, as well as public initiatives working in this direction.
It is important to note that this issue has already been partially considered on the platform of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), where a special parliamentary network has been created to solve the problems of Ukrainian children. During the autumn session of the Assembly in Strasbourg, this network held its first meeting. It is made up of representatives of 46 PACE member countries, and the main focus is on the return of deported children and ensuring proper conditions for those who remained in the temporarily occupied territories or were evacuated.
Special emphasis was placed on the condemnation of war crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainian children. The ministers recalled numerous incidents of attacks on schools and hospitals, which are a violation of international humanitarian norms. They also noted cases of sexual violence and murder against minors, calling on Russia to immediately return abducted children to their legal guardians and communities.
An important part of this conference will be the discussion of the “peace formula” for Ukraine, developed on the basis of 10 key points. The purpose of this formula is not only to achieve a diplomatic settlement of the conflict, but also to return to normal life for the victims, in particular for children. Canada and France will continue to support all efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Ukrainian children, as well as ensuring their access to basic medical and educational services.
Thus, the joint efforts of France and Canada are an important part of the international strategy for the return of Ukrainian children, and the conference at the end of October will be another step in this direction.
