The concrete steps were the main topic to discuss, aimed at returning illegally deported and displaced Ukrainian children. According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, based on the documented facts alone, more than 19,000 children were taken to russia, and another 1.6 million are in the temporarily occupied territories.
«It is not just about numbers - it is about the stories of human destinies, children's right for identity, education, family and future,» said the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament. He stressed that the priority is to return the children to their families, as well as to bring to justice those who organised the illegal deportation, as it involves elements of the international crime of genocide.
Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for its consistent support of Ukraine, in particular for the creation of the Register of Damages, the activities of the International Coalition for the Return of Children and its clear political position in defence of Ukrainian families.
«The return of Ukrainian children is our shared responsibility. They have to live at home, speak Ukrainian, go to school and not hear the explosions. Together we will do everything possible to achieve this,» said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
In the meantime, Paul Galles (Luxembourg), a member of the PACE Network, noted that it was a great honour for the delegation to be in Ukraine. «Today we were able to feel at least partially what you are going through. We are deeply impressed by your courage, sincerity and determination in defending your country. We want to better understand how we can help as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,» he said.