Author:
Mariia Kucova
On June 27, the PACE Parliamentary Network on the Repatriation of Ukrainian Children from Russian Deportation commenced its work in Strasbourg. Nataliia Sosnovenko, a psychologist and Head of the Center for Psychological Expertise and Methodology at "Voices of Children", spoke at the event, discussing the long-term rehabilitation of these children.
Over the past year, I have personally helped about 30 children who returned from the military occupation. I have witnessed many testimonies that hurt and frighten me as an adult woman and as a mother. Our Ukrainian children are going through truly harrowing experiences daily,
Nataliia shared.
Nataliia shared.
Prior to this, three children who survived Russian forcible deportation addressed PACE parliamentarians via video. The event also included speeches by PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, PACE Vice-President Olena Khomenko, and others.
Russia Is Erasing Ukrainian Children's Identity
According to official Ukrainian data, 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly relocated by Russian forces. These children face re-education and militarization, are prohibited from studying the Ukrainian curriculum, and quite often are forced to change citizenship. These actions suggest an attempt to erase the Ukrainian identity of these children and bears hallmarks of genocide.
To date, Ukraine has managed to secure the return of 736 children. However, despite these successful repatriations, thousands of our children still remain under military occupation on the territory of the aggressor country,
Dmytro Lubinets stated.
Dmytro Lubinets stated.
The Ombudsman called for recognizing Russian Federation actions as genocide at the national parliament level, intensifying sanctions pressure on the aggressor country, and continuing support for Ukraine, particularly in the reintegration and rehabilitation of children.
Ways "Voices of Children" Supports Repatriated Children
Since summer 2023, the Foundation's psychologists have been assisting children, repatriated from Russian deportation, during interviews with law enforcement agencies and providing direct support in "Voices of Children" regional Centers.
75 children have received help from our psychologists after returning from Russian military occupation. Each child receives our assistance for a period ranging from 2 to 9 months. Additionally, we work with their parents if necessary,
Nataliia Sosnovenko noted.
Nataliia Sosnovenko noted.
Currently, the Ombudsman's Office and NGOs, including "Voices of Children", are developing policies for the reintegration and rehabilitation of children returned from illegal deportation. Moreover, the "Voices of Children" Foundation plans to build a Rehabilitation Center in the Kyiv region, specifically to assist these children.
However, all these measures may not be sufficient without the help of Ukraine's partners. Nataliia urged PACE to support Ukrainian childhood — by facilitating the return of deported children and holding Russia accountable.
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