Canada to Co-Host International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children
Canada is preparing to co-host a major international conference focused on the return of Ukrainian children and civilians who have been detained or forcibly relocated during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The event, which is scheduled to take place in Montreal this October, aims to bring together global leaders to address the humanitarian crisis and find diplomatic solutions for those separated from their families.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada will lead this initiative alongside Norway and Ukraine. The primary goal of the conference is to create a concrete plan to identify and repatriate thousands of Ukrainian children who have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. International organizations have described these actions as a serious violation of human rights.
This conference is part of the broader 'Peace Formula' proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Canada has been a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout the war, providing both military aid and humanitarian assistance. By hosting this event, the Canadian government hopes to maintain international pressure on Moscow and ensure that the issue of missing children remains a top priority for the global community.
In addition to the return of children, the conference will discuss the release of civilian detainees and prisoners of war. Diplomats from various countries will meet to share information and coordinate efforts to help these individuals return home safely. The organizers hope that this gathering will lead to stronger international cooperation and a clearer path toward justice for the families affected by these separations.
As the conflict continues, the situation for displaced families remains difficult and uncertain. The upcoming meeting in Montreal represents a significant step in Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and protecting the rights of its citizens. The results of the conference will be closely watched by international observers as they seek to address one of the most painful aspects of the war.