We must actively work to release all civilian hostages whom Russia has been keeping behind bars for years, taking advantage of the lack of effective mechanisms for their return. This was stated by Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President, in his speech at the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula in Montreal, Canada.
He suggested that partner countries take patronage of civilian hostages, find a way to contact them, and secure their release.
In addition, the Head of the Presidential Office noted that this event concludes a series of thematic conferences dedicated to the implementation of the Peace Formula points.
“Thank you all for taking this path with us. We highly appreciate the efforts of all those who are trying to alleviate the sufferings of Ukrainians. These sufferings are not their choice, nor are they the result of a natural disaster or an accident. They have a culprit – Russia,” Andriy Yermak said.
In particular, the Head of the Presidential Office praised the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and announced that Australia had become its 41st member.
He urged all Conference participants to support the Final Communiqué, which will reflect the shared position and define concrete steps to overcome the humanitarian problems caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, noted that the protection of all persons in armed conflicts is the basis of the Geneva Convention, so the issues raised at the Conference are important not only for Ukraine, but for other countries as well.
“Children should never be pawns in any war. We believe in a better future for these children. We want to see the return of prisoners of war, detained civilians and children. Our Conference can result in such a commitment,” she stressed.
Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, stressed that the participants of the event should not only mediate the return of Ukrainians, but also strengthen the work on collecting data and determining their whereabouts.
“It is not just about numbers. It is about real people. We want to reunite them with their friends, families, and relatives,” the minister said.
Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine – Minister of Justice, noted that the prohibition of enforced disappearance is enshrined in various international treaties and human rights documents. She emphasized that Ukrainian children illegally taken to Russia are forcibly imposed on their parents. Moreover, siblings are separated.
“That is why we are now asking the coalition of states to find these children. They are unable to get in touch with organizations that could help them,” Olha Stefanishyna noted.
Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, emphasized that the Conference will result in concrete decisions and identify actors who can effectively influence the return of Ukrainians home.
“It is hard to find a nation in the world that wants peace more than the Ukrainian people. We are looking forward to the day when all prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians and deported children will return home to Ukraine,” he said.
The opening of the Conference was also attended by Liev Schreiber, American actor and Ambassador of the UNITED24 Fundraising Platform. He believes that in this war, Russia strives to deprive the Ukrainian people of their next generations and future.
According to the actor, 60 different camps operate in Russia to re-educate Ukrainian children, who are exposed to ideological propaganda, not allowed to use their language, forced to forget their history, and turned against their families.
Liev Schreiber stressed that the Conference participants should find ways and mechanisms to bring Ukrainian children home.
