Ukraine and Belgium discussed support for the reintegration of deported children

 A meeting was held in Kyiv at the Center for the Protection of Children's Rights, where Ukrainian representatives involved in the return of children illegally deported or forcibly displaced by the Russian Federation discussed with Belgian Prime Minister Barta de Wever the issue of supporting the initiative for the reintegration and return of children to Ukraine. This is reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine, reports UNN.

Details

From the Ukrainian side, the meeting was attended by Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Daria Zarivna and Presidential Advisor on Children's Rights Daria Herasymchuk. They stressed the importance of international cooperation to solve this important humanitarian problem.

Daria Zarivna stressed the importance of Belgium's active participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. According to her, support from Belgium is not only a moral but also a practical gesture that will allow the implementation of key initiatives, in particular regarding the reintegration of children.

During the discussion, ideas were mentioned about the creation of a Center for Support of Children and Families in Belgium, which will be the first point for receiving children after their return to Ukraine, as well as the importance of implementing the "Return the Family" program to reunite children with their families. Another important area is the modernization of the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in the Chernivtsi region, which will ensure their physical and psychological recovery.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stressed the need to create effective mechanisms of pressure on the terrorist country to return children and intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at protecting the rights of children in the temporarily occupied territories.

Daria Herasymchuk drew attention to the importance of using a special mechanism of the UN Security Council regarding violations of children's rights in armed conflicts. She noted that Russia has already been included twice in the UN "list of shame" for its crimes and that there is a real possibility that this year the aggressor will be included there for the third time.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Belgium had the opportunity to talk to children who had already returned to Ukraine and listen to their stories, which once again emphasizes the importance of further efforts to protect the rights of children in war.

Let us remind

The Belgian Prime Minister announced a package of aid to Ukraine of EUR 1 billion for 2025 and EUR 1 billion annually for defense needs. Also, Belgium will transfer 2 F-16s to Ukraine in 2024 and 2 in 2025.

Belgium will transfer 4 F-16 fighters to Ukraine within two years08.04.25, 15:54 • 9647 views