Yermak, Guterres discuss protection of Ukrainian children

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, held a meeting of the Coordination Council for the Protection and Safety of Children in the format of a video conference, with the participation of UN Secretary General António Guterres, representatives of United Nations structures, ambassadors of the G20 countries, and children's ombudsmen.

According to the President’s Office, more than 100 people participated in the event, Ukrinform reports.

"Our goal is to stop the forcible transfer or deportation of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation and to take all necessary measures for their safe return and family reunification in accordance with the child’s interests and international law," said the head of the President's Office.

The Secretary General of the UN, for his part, emphasized that children should be with their families and those who take care of them, and called for actions in children’s interests.

During the meeting, joint actions were discussed, which can help stop the crimes of the Russian Federation against minor Ukrainian citizens.

Daria Herasymchuk, Ukrainian President's Commissioner for Children's Rights and Children's Rehabilitation, noted that as of November 14, according to the “Children of War” state portal, 10,764 children were deported to Russia from Ukraine.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the Russian authorities openly give orders for the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and in every possible way facilitate their "adoption" by Russians.

Photo: President's Office

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