Reporting in a government statement, On September 28-29, 2026, Toronto hosted the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, co-chaired by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway. The event, announced in a joint communique released by the Canadian Ministry of Global Affairs, brought together Foreign Ministers and representatives from participating states and international organizations. The statement does not mention the number of attendees, but indicates the conference focused on facilitating pathways to peace regarding the return of Ukrainian children held in Russian-controlled territory, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. This aligns with a previously announced commitment – in March the ministry said – to support Ukraine’s efforts to secure the safe return of its citizens. The conference was designed to build upon the initial Pathways to Peace conference held in 2024. The statement does not address the specific challenges involved in these returns, nor does it detail any concrete agreements reached. The initiative reflects ongoing Canadian support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, a position consistently articulated by the ministry since the start of the war. This second conference, as outlined in the official statement, represents a continuation of diplomatic engagement rather than a decisive breakthrough.
Context
The Pathways to Peace conference represents a sustained, if somewhat procedural, diplomatic initiative. The statement does not mention the overall objectives of the conference beyond facilitating returns. The involvement of Norway, alongside Canada and Ukraine, suggests a broader coalition of Western nations seeking to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict. The conference’s focus on detained civilians and prisoners of war highlights the continued recognition of these individuals as protected persons under international law. The fact that the conference is co-chaired by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway indicates a shared understanding of the complexity of the situation and the need for a multilateral approach. The 2026 event follows the 2024 conference, suggesting a recognition of the ongoing need for international attention and support. The statement does not mention any specific funding commitments associated with the conference, nor does it provide details on the operational mechanisms for facilitating returns. The event’s timing – September 28-29, 2026 – positions it within the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
What to Watch
Should the conference yield any progress in establishing formal repatriation protocols, the statement does not address the timeline for implementation. If the visit with The Bahamas’ Foreign Minister, Frederick Mitchell, proves productive, it could signal a deepening of Canadian engagement with regional partners in the effort. The meeting between Minister Anand and Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Anita Orbán, suggests continued dialogue with key European actors, particularly given Hungary’s stance on the conflict. The statement does not mention any follow-up actions planned following the conference. The Canadian government’s continued participation in this initiative, as evidenced by Minister Anand’s engagements, indicates a long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine’s efforts to address this humanitarian crisis. The statement does not provide any indication of whether Ukraine will be receiving any further assistance from Canada following the conference.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Canada, Ukraine and Norway to co-host international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war (12 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service of The Bahamas (29 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (28 Septemb)
.jpg){kind=link}