Ukraine presents declaration for protecting children from violence at Colombian conference
Photo: Facebook / Oksana Zholnovych
In Colombia, at the Global Conference on the Protection of Children from Violence, Ukraine presented a declaration on the safety of children developed during the fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ukraine's Minister of Social Policy, Oksana Zholnovych, reported that on Facebook.
What is the problem?
As the department head stressed, Russia's military aggression caused every child to experience violence, and 20,000 Ukrainian children who were deported by the aggressor country are now facing violence against their own identity.
What is the solution?
According to the minister, the current international agreements are no longer adequate in addressing modern threats. As a result, Ukraine presented a declaration on protecting children, developed during the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.
At the conference, the head of the department presented the Ukrainian experience of implementing the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back project, which involves developing a clear return algorithm and psychological rehabilitation for each child.
Zholnovych said that Ukraine is actively working on the implementation of new child protection mechanisms, including initiatives to create Community Resilience Centers, support children who have lost their parents, and reintegration of deported children.
How does it work?
"Alongside the Ministry of Social Policy team, we garnered the support of numerous international partners to overcome the war's consequences," the department head emphasized.
At the conference, several one-on-one meetings helped foster international collaboration in child protection.
Photo: Facebook / Oksana Zholnovych
- Sweden: during the meeting with Camilla Waltersson, the Minister of Social Policy for Sweden, they explored the potential of establishing global algorithms for repatriating Ukrainian children who have been deported back to their home country.
- UNICEF: The Deputy Chairman of the Executive Director of UNICEF and the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine discussed organizing a European conference to develop solutions in this area, as well as plans for digitalization, development of social services, and family support.
- Council of Europe: Zholnovych met with the Council of Europe representative to discuss coordinating efforts to protect and maintain the environment and provide education for Ukrainian children.
- France: France confirmed its support for the Ukraine Facility plan (EU financial support program for Ukraine) and assistance in improving Ukrainian legislation. Zholnovych thanked them for sharing their experience in supporting women after childbirth.
- South Africa: Zholnovych and the Minister of Social Policy of the Republic of South Africa discussed shared challenges and the history of the struggle for independence. They also addressed issues concerning domestic violence and gender equality. The Ukrainian representative expressed gratitude for their role as mediators in the repatriation of Ukrainian children and agreed to enhance cooperation further.
- Colombia: at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, she received assurances of support for a just peace in Ukraine and participation in implementing President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula.
Photo: Facebook / Oksana Zholnovych
"We are united in the common goal of protecting children from violence. This is the basis that requires our decisive and urgent actions," the minister emphasized.
Photo: Facebook / Oksana Zholnovych
For reference:
It should be noted that as of June, 600 children illegally deported by Russia were returned to Ukraine, but in total, more than 20,000 young Ukrainians were deported.
It is worth adding that as of the beginning of October, the Russian Federation kidnapped more than 20,000 children from Ukraine. However, there is a high risk of deportation for another 1.5 million children who remain in the temporarily occupied territories.
