Every morning at 9:00 a.m., Ukraine observes a daily moment of silence to honor those killed in Russia's ongoing war. For one minute, cities fall silent, traffic lights turn red, and cars stop. This nationwide act of remembrance is a poignant reminder of the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives and the many families who have been separated. The silence also highlights the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia.
The daily moment of silence serves as a powerful symbol of Ukraine's resilience and solidarity. It is a testament to the country's determination to honor the memories of those who have been lost and to bring home those who are still detained. Many Ukrainian children who have been deported have had their core identity stripped away, including their language, culture, and even their names. Others are civilians who have been unlawfully detained in territories temporarily occupied by Russia, often for speaking out against occupation or sharing the truth about their experiences.
The conditions faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian custody are similarly concerning. Returnees have reported harsh treatment, while independent bodies have documented widespread abuse, including torture and sexual violence. These actions are repeated and well-documented violations of international law, carried out at scale, in an attempt to bend the will of the Ukrainian people. The humanitarian imperative to address these issues is clear, and it requires sustained cooperation among governments, international organizations, humanitarian actors, and civil society.
To address this complex issue, Canada, Norway, and Ukraine will convene foreign ministers and international partners in Toronto on September 28 and 29 for Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War. The conference aims to support Ukraine's efforts to return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Ukrainian deported children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. Their return is critical to any peace process, helping to build trust and lay the groundwork of a just, lasting, and dignified peace.
The conference builds on the progress made at the Ministerial Conference on the same topic, hosted by Canada, Norway, and Ukraine in 2024. It will bring international partners together to share best practices, discuss challenges, and mobilize support for Ukraine's efforts to bring home its citizens. Every person returned reunites a family, and every family reunited strengthens a community. The return of Ukrainian children and detainees is a crucial step towards rebuilding Ukraine and promoting peace.
The Ukrainian community has shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by Russia's aggression, Ukrainians continue to repair what has been damaged, care for one another, and strengthen their communities. The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Ukraine's efforts to bring home its citizens and promote peace. The Pathways to Peace conference offers a unique opportunity for countries and organizations to come together and make a meaningful difference.
The ambassadors of Canada, Ukraine, and Norway to Egypt - Ulric Shannon, Mykola Nagorny, and Erik Husem, respectively - have emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing this humanitarian crisis. They have called on the international community to mobilize support for Ukraine's efforts to bring home its citizens and promote peace. The outcome of the Pathways to Peace conference will be closely watched, as it has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of Ukrainians.
Key points
- The conference aims to support Ukraine's efforts to return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Ukrainian deported children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war.
- The return of Ukrainian children and detainees is critical to any peace process, helping to build trust and lay the groundwork of a just, lasting, and dignified peace.
- The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Ukraine's efforts to bring home its citizens and promote peace.
