Author:
Yuliia Didenko
President of Finland Alexander Stubb addressed the UN General Assembly, where he spoke about his meeting with the Voices of Children Foundation co-founders in Kyiv and about our work in supporting children. His speech was heard by dozens of heads of state and government from around the world during the 80th session of the General Assembly in New York.
The President of Finland dedicated part of his speech to an issue that often remains overshadowed by broad discussions of the war—the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. Stubb recalled his recent meeting in Kyiv with the Foundation’s co-founders, Olena Rozvadovska and Azad Safarov, and shared what had struck him most.
When we look at war, there are elements of it that are brutal, vulgar, and unethical. But the kidnapping of children, I think, goes beyond all of that,
The Finnish President pointed out that the problem of deportation does not end with children being taken away, separated from their homes, and forcibly Russified. The question arises: how do we bring them back, and what happens to them after their return?
During his conversation with the Foundation’s co-founders in Kyiv, he learned about the urgent need for psychiatrists to help children after their return. Many minors have had to endure physical violence, ideological pressure, and systematic “re-education.” As well, children were forced to believe manipulative claims such as: “Your parents don’t love you,” “Ukrainians hate you,” “You are a failure.”
During his conversation with the Foundation’s co-founders in Kyiv, he learned about the urgent need for psychiatrists to help children after their return. Many minors have had to endure physical violence, ideological pressure, and systematic “re-education.” As well, children were forced to believe manipulative claims such as: “Your parents don’t love you,” “Ukrainians hate you,” “You are a failure.”
The mental stress that you get as a child, no matter what age, is simply beyond anything that we can imagine,
During their visit to Kyiv, Alexander Stubb and his wife, Susanna, heard from Olena and Azad about how the Foundation helps children recover from the impact of war—about psychological support in regional centers, recovery camps, online consultations, and the building of a large-scale Rehabilitation Center. These same points were later presented from the UN rostrum to representatives of nearly 150 countries.
We are grateful to the President of Finland for his support of Ukraine and for once again raising the issue of deportation before those who can drive change.
It is important to emphasize that deportation violates a child’s basic needs: stability, love, and support. Every child affected by war experiences it differently. Each case—whether deportation, unlawful removal, or living under occupation—must be approached with the child’s best interests in mind. Ukrainian children in deportation are subjected to false historical narratives, forced to show loyalty to Russia, and even recruited into military institutions.
This year, Voices of Children joined a statement at the UN on the systematic violations of children’s rights in the occupied territories. In our statement, we highlighted seven key practices through which the Russian authorities systematically violate the rights of Ukrainians. Among them are the deportation and forced displacement of children, accompanied by changes to their names, biographies, and forcible transfer to Russian families.
Specialists of the Voices of Children Foundation are directly involved in supporting children who have endured deportation, forced displacement, and other consequences of the war. We are working to ensure that every child can once again believe in their future. You can join us in helping children and support the Foundation’s work with your donation.
We are grateful to the President of Finland for his support of Ukraine and for once again raising the issue of deportation before those who can drive change.
It is important to emphasize that deportation violates a child’s basic needs: stability, love, and support. Every child affected by war experiences it differently. Each case—whether deportation, unlawful removal, or living under occupation—must be approached with the child’s best interests in mind. Ukrainian children in deportation are subjected to false historical narratives, forced to show loyalty to Russia, and even recruited into military institutions.
This year, Voices of Children joined a statement at the UN on the systematic violations of children’s rights in the occupied territories. In our statement, we highlighted seven key practices through which the Russian authorities systematically violate the rights of Ukrainians. Among them are the deportation and forced displacement of children, accompanied by changes to their names, biographies, and forcible transfer to Russian families.
Specialists of the Voices of Children Foundation are directly involved in supporting children who have endured deportation, forced displacement, and other consequences of the war. We are working to ensure that every child can once again believe in their future. You can join us in helping children and support the Foundation’s work with your donation.
Share: