Every morning at 9am, Ukraine observes a daily moment of silence, a nationwide act of remembrance for those killed in Russia's illegal war. For one minute, cities fall silent, traffic lights turn red, and cars stop. This solemn pause is a tribute to those who have lost their lives defending Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom, as well as the thousands of civilians who have been killed due to Russia's aggression.
The silence also echoes the absence felt by thousands of families whose loved ones have yet to return home. Among them are Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia. Many have been separated from their families and communities, and have had their core identity stripped away, including their language, culture, and even names.
In territories temporarily occupied by Russia, civilians have been unlawfully detained for teaching their language, practicing their culture, speaking out against occupation, or sharing the truth about what they have witnessed. Some have been transferred to detention facilities in Russia, where they are held without due process, denied contact with loved ones, and deprived of adequate medical care.
The conditions for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian custody are also 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.
To address this issue, sustained cooperation among governments, international organisations, humanitarian actors, and civil society is required. Canada, Norway, and Ukraine convened 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 a humanitarian imperative and critical to any peace process, helping to build trust and lay the groundwork of a just, lasting, and dignified peace.
The initiative, led by Canada, Norway, and Ukraine, seeks to mobilise the international community to act alongside Ukraine to help bring home every deported child, detained civilian, and prisoner of war. This will not only reunite families but also strengthen communities and help rebuild Ukraine.
Key points
- The return of Ukrainian children and civilians unlawfully detained in Russia is a humanitarian imperative.
- International cooperation is crucial to address the issue of Ukrainian children and civilians unlawfully detained in Russia.
- The 'Pathways to Peace' conference aims to support Ukraine's efforts to return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Ukrainian deported children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war.
