Ukraine’s partners need to pay more attention to the human dimension, particularly the return of Ukrainian children and support for them.
This was stated to Ukrinform by the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the Situation of Children in Ukraine, former Icelandic Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Þórdís Gylfadóttir.
Gylfadóttir noted that currently, the share of aid provided by Ukraine’s friends and allies that goes primarily toward humanitarian work and societal resilience is very low compared to the rest. “So when we talk about the desire to rebuild Ukraine, I believe it is important that we put on ‘human glasses.’ Because it is not enough to rebuild roads, bridges, and infrastructure—energy or otherwise—but we must also focus on the human dimension, with special attention to children. I think that if all friends and allies contributed a certain amount to this form of support, we would be in a stronger position. And this point must be discussed in all negotiations,” she emphasized, explaining that children are the most vulnerable, and Russia is using them as a tool in this war.
Gylfadóttir acknowledged that European countries lack the tools to mediate between Ukraine and Russia on the issue of returning Ukrainian children. Currently, the country that has demonstrated the greatest success in this area is Qatar. Gylfadóttir herself would welcome other countries joining the process if it helps and if Russia is open to such mediation.
