Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia to secure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all illegally deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on the Day of Remembrance for Children Killed as a Result of Russia’s Armed Aggression, Ukrinform reports.
The ministry urged international partners to step up support for the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children by joining its efforts, enhancing information sharing, supporting mechanisms for locating and verifying children, and financing programs for their organized return, rehabilitation, and long-term reintegration.
The MFA also called on states and international organizations to maintain and strengthen sanctions against all individuals and entities involved in the illegal deportation, forced transfer, militarization, indoctrination, and unlawful adoption of Ukrainian children.
“Participation in crimes against children must entail inevitable political, legal, and economic consequences. Everyone who made decisions, organized, facilitated, or took part in the deportation, forced transfer, illegal adoption, identity alteration, indoctrination, or militarization of Ukrainian children must be brought to justice,” the statement stressed.
