Author:
Mariia Kucova
In late October, the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Ukrainian Peace Formula took place in Montreal, Canada. Representatives from over 70 countries and international organizations attended. Among them was Olena Rozvadovska, the head of the Charitable Foundation Voices of Children, representing Ukrainian civil society organizations.
The conference focused on implementing the fourth point of the Peace Formula — “Release of Prisoners and Deportees.” Like the eight previous sessions, this conference is part of the preparations for Ukraine’s Peace Plan leading up to the second Peace Summit.
We hope that with international support, we can find solutions to bring all children home and ensure that all perpetrators of these crimes receive just punishment, including sanctions, legal actions, and reparations,
commented Olena Rozvadovska.
commented Olena Rozvadovska.
Rozvadovska highlighted that, since 2015, the team at Voices of Children has provided free psychosocial and humanitarian support to children and their families affected by the war in Ukraine. Specifically, the foundation’s psychologists assist children returning from Russian deportation during their interviews with law enforcement officials and facilitate their further rehabilitation.
The foundation has developed a Concept (comprehensive guidebook) that covers everything from counselling protocols to legal requirements for helping children who have been deported or forcibly displaced to Russia. This research is part of a larger research project called (Non)Return of Children: Ukraine's Greatest Challenge Since Independence.
The process of physically returning children to Ukraine requires specialized support to help each child reintegrate into Ukrainian society,
emphasized Olena Rozvadovska.
emphasized Olena Rozvadovska.
At the Ministerial Conference, participants engaged in detailed discussions about reintegration, rehabilitation, and mental health support for children returned from forcible deportation by Russia.
Results of the Conference
The participants approved a Joint Communiqué, with a key aspect being the agreement on the “Montreal Commitment” to facilitate the return of all captives and deported Ukrainians.
One of the most significant points was to identify and establish trusted intermediary countries for negotiations with Russia regarding the return of Ukrainian military personnel, civilians, and children:
- Qatar, the Vatican, and South Africa will take part in negotiations about the return of Ukrainian children.
- Qatar and Lithuania will assist in bringing children home.
- The United Arab Emirates will continue to mediate discussions regarding prisoner exchanges.
In addition, a coalition of countries will be formed to assist Ukraine in gathering and locating detailed information about Ukrainian captives and deportees to support efforts aimed at bringing them home.
The outcomes of the conference will help increase pressure on Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure the safe return of all Ukrainians.
The Peace Formula — is an initiative designed to achieve a fair and sustainable peace in Ukraine. The document contains ten fundamental points, the implementation of which will not only end the war in Ukraine but also help prevent future conflicts worldwide.
Share: