A debate on the topic of the «Return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children» was held in the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
This was reported by the Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, who was invited to attend the debate as part of the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom.
Deputy Speaker Kondratiuk noted that the debate included participation from the Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty, as well as Members of Parliament from all leading political parties in the UK. They unanimously condemned the russian federation’s crime of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children and called for decisive international action to facilitate their return to Ukraine.
The presence of the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was highly appreciated by members of the British Parliament.
«Your presence is not only welcomed but confirms that our two nations and democratic institutions stand united with the families of thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children. We will continue to work jointly to ensure the return of all Ukrainian children to their homes,» emphasized the debate initiator, Member of the House of Commons Joanna Baxter, during her opening remarks.
Participants in the debate firmly condemned the policy of forced russian citizenship acquisition, adoption, and russification of Ukrainian children, as well as their militarization and “re-education” in so-called “military-patriotic” camps, often accompanied by psychological abuse.
«Debate participants called on the UK Government to intensify sanctions against all high-ranking officials and organizations involved in the abduction and unlawful detention of Ukrainian children. They urged the UK Government to increase support for the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and to demand from russia full disclosure regarding the whereabouts of all deported children,» Olena Kondratiuk reported.
The necessity of implementing long-term rehabilitation programs for children who have already been returned was also discussed.
«I am grateful to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, to Joanna Baxter as the initiator of the debate, and to all Members of Parliament who participated in this important discussion for their attention, empathy, and solidarity with Ukrainian children,» Deputy Speaker Kondratiuk concluded at the event’s close.
She also expressed her gratitude to all members of the Verkhovna Rada delegation for their support and active engagement during the visit to the UK Parliament.
https://www.rada.gov.ua/news/Top-novyna/262375.html