World Leaders Agree on Further Steps for the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in New York

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was held, co-chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney.

Heads of state, First Ladies and Gentlemen, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Silvia of Sweden, as well as representatives of governments and international organizations, demonstrated the highest level of international support for Ukraine and unwavering solidarity on the issue of returning Ukrainian children whom Russia has illegally deported or forcibly transferred.

Participants emphasized that the safe return, reintegration and rehabilitation of children must remain a shared international priority. All actions must be carried out in the best interests of the child and in full compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Participants also welcomed the launch of a pilot mechanism to search for, identify and verify data on Ukrainian children deported or forcibly transferred to Russia. Canada, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have joined its implementation.

Participants also welcomed the practical support for the return of Ukrainian children provided by Canada, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Discussions also addressed the scaling up of programs for the recovery, reintegration and rehabilitation of children under the patronage of First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, particularly in the areas of housing for young people, support for foster families and the provision of psychosocial assistance.