Every morning at 9:00 a.m., Ukrainians observe a minute of silence to honor those who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This nationwide act of remembrance is a poignant reminder of the thousands of civilians who have been killed or displaced due to Russia's aggression. The silence is also a testament to the absence felt by thousands of families whose loved ones have yet to return home.
Among those still missing are thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia. Many of these children have been separated from their families and communities, and have had their core identity stripped away, including their language, culture, and even their names.
In addition to the children, many Ukrainian civilians are being unlawfully detained in territories temporarily occupied by Russia. These individuals have often suffered consequences for teaching their language, practicing their culture, speaking out against occupation, or sharing the truth about what they have witnessed.
Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian custody also face harsh conditions, with reports of widespread abuse, including torture and sexual violence. Returnees have reported being subjected to harsh treatment, while independent bodies have documented the abuse.
The issue of returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war is a complex one, requiring sustained cooperation among governments, international organizations, humanitarian actors, and civil society. To address this issue, 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 seen as 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 Ukrainian ambassadors to Kenya and their international counterparts hope that the Pathways to Peace conference will mobilize the international community to act alongside Ukraine to help bring home every deported child, detained civilian, and prisoner of war.
Key points
- The return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war is critical to any peace process.
- The issue requires sustained cooperation among governments, international organizations, humanitarian actors, and civil society.
- 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.
