UN demands Russia return Ukrainian children immediately and safely
UN General Assembly session (Photo: Getty Images)
The UN General Assembly has demanded that Russia immediately and unconditionally return all illegally deported Ukrainian children. The resolution was adopted by a majority vote, according to the broadcast of the General Assembly session, the text of the resolution, and Ukrinform.
Vote and text of the resolution
“The General Assembly… Demands that the Russian Federation ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported. Urges the Russian Federation to cease, without delay, any further practice of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families and legal guardians, change of personal status, including through citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children,” the resolution states.
The document was supported by 91 countries. Twelve states voted against it, and 57 abstained.
In addition to Russia itself, Belarus, Iran, Nicaragua, Cuba, Eritrea, Mali, and several other countries voted against the resolution.
Fifty-seven countries abstained from the vote. Among them were China, India, Brazil, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Qatar, and Pakistan.
What Ukraine says
Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa stated that this resolution is not about politics, but exclusively about humanity and the moral duty of the international community.
She emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine has made children the most vulnerable targets of aggression. According to the diplomat, the Russians not only kill and maim children but also try to erase their identity.
Betsa stressed that in occupied territories and in Russia, Ukrainian children are prohibited from learning their native language, literature, and history, while being subjected to hostile propaganda. Children are forced to repeat false narratives about a Nazi state and are recruited into so-called children’s armies, where they undergo military training and ideological indoctrination.
According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia has deported at least 20,000 Ukrainian children to date. Ukraine has so far managed to return only 1,850 of them.
Europe’s position
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized during the debate on the draft resolution that the deportation of children constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law.
She reminded delegates that Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the forced transfer of civilians from occupied territories under any circumstances. The Convention on the Rights of the Child also guarantees every child the right to identity, family life, nationality, and protection from abduction.
According to Baerbock, the issue of returning the children cannot be considered separately from the fact of the Russian invasion. She noted that the General Assembly is acting decisively at a time when the UN Security Council remains unable to make decisions due to Russia’s position.
Baerbock said that the 11th extraordinary special session adopts the resolution in the name of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, for the protection of the international order, the Ukrainian people, and the most vulnerable among them - the children.
Diplomats emphasized that supporting the resolution is a voice for international law and justice, as it provides tools to ensure that the kidnapped children can once again live in their native land.
How Ukraine is returning children
Ukraine is running an initiative led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to bring Ukrainian children back from Russia - Bring Kids Back UA.
The project aims to identify all abducted children, secure their return, provide legal support, rehabilitation, and assistance to families.
The initiative involves international negotiation mechanisms, humanitarian missions, documentation of crimes, and cooperation with foreign governments and organizations, including the ICRC and UNICEF.
As previously reported, Ukraine recently managed to bring home three more Ukrainian children from occupied territories. The children had been living under threats and subjected to Russian propaganda.
Many children are deported deep into Russia, making their return even more difficult. Furthermore, the Russians have created an online catalog of abducted Ukrainian children, which includes photos, descriptions, as well as hair and eye color.
