Canada Leads Global Effort to Bring Back Ukrainian Children Deported by Russia

The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children affected by Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, as thousands of kids remain in the country.

August 5, 2025 – In a statement released today, the coalition reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being amidst the ongoing conflict. The group strongly condemns Russia’s unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children, which is in contravention of international humanitarian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

1. Over 3,900 Ukrainian children have been unlawfully deported to Russia or forcibly transferred from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
2. The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children has documented these cases through various international bodies, including the International Criminal Court.

During a bilateral meeting in Istanbul on June 2, 2025, the Government of Ukraine presented Russia with an initial list of 339 children who were unlawfully deported to Russia or forcibly transferred from occupied areas. The coalition urges Russia to return these children unconditionally and ensure their safe and voluntary repatriation.

1. Russia is also required to provide full and verifiable information on the whereabouts, well-being, legal status, health condition, and safeguard the rights of all unlawfully deported Ukrainian children under its control.
2. The coalition calls for an immediate cessation of any changes to a child’s identity, including alterations in citizenship or placement in Russian families or institutions.

The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children emphasizes that safeguarding children from the effects of war is an indispensable humanitarian imperative. The group stresses that compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights norms is a binding obligation for all parties to armed conflict.

As the situation continues to evolve, the coalition remains committed to protecting Ukraine’s children and working towards their safe return.

The Canadian government will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to affected families.