High-Level Event in the margins of the 78th UNGA session, focusing on the suffering of children in Ukraine affected by Russia's war of aggression
Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
20.09.2023
High-Level Event in the margins of the 78th UNGA session, focusing on the suffering of children in Ukraine affected by Russia's war of aggression.
UNHQ on 19 September 2023
High-Level Event in the margins of the 78th UNGA session, focusing on the suffering of children in Ukraine affected by Russia's war of aggression.
UNHQ on 19 September 2023
[Mrs Zelenska], President Karis, excellences, ladies and gentlemen,
Our goal today is clear - it is to help Ukraine win, and we will support and stand with Ukraine in this quest for as long as necessary. We will not stop, or tire of sending a clear message to Russia that its cruelty and inhumane aggression will not subjugate Ukraine nor any other country.
For more than 18 months, Ukraine has shown extraordinary courage in defending its freedom and territory. I acknowledge that it has come at an extremely high cost, especially for Ukraine's children.
I visited Ukraine in June this year and witnessed first-hand why reconstruction cannot wait for the war to end. It is for those nearly 25,000 orphans in Ukraine, the majority of them left without parents due to the ongoing war, and for the children who have returned to Bucha, to Kherson, for the children of Lviv and across Ukraine. A safe home, stable education, and healthcare are vital for protecting their mental health and wellbeing. This is why Estonia built a new kindergarten in Zhytomyr Oblast. At its opening on the second of June, I witnessed that by building back the lost normality that those children long for, we can make a monumental difference in the lives of many. Now we must continue our efforts. In collaboration with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Estonia has also started a project to build family houses for children who have lost their parents, while also mentoring new foster parents at the same time. I encourage other countries to consider similar initiatives. Ukrainian children need hope.
Today's event also enables us to also talk about Russia's deliberate policy of deporting Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus, subjugating them to pro-Russian propaganda and forced adoption into Russian families - an issue that seemed inconceivable in our time. These cruel acts are in grave violation of international humanitarian law. In June, the UN Secretary-General listed Russia as a party committing grave violations against children. It is the first time in history a permanent member of the UN Security Council has been included in this list of shame. While it was a step in the right direction, we remain doubtful of Russia's willingness to change its dreadful policy against the children of Ukraine.
The ICC arrest warrants underscore the gravity of these war crimes, but this alone can not bring the children back. Events like today's are crucial for coordinating efforts to reverse and prevent the Russian government's forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Until all of these children are safely returned to Ukraine, we have not done enough.
Achieving this requires cooperation with the UN, its agencies and member states in putting pressure on Russia and Belarus. Estonia will continue to support the investigation and reporting on the deportations, while reminding Russia of its obligations under international law. We will also work with our partners to impose sanctions on those involved in the forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children.
I urge the international community to stand with us in supporting the most vulnerable victims of Russia's war. For the way we respond to atrocities committed against Ukraine's children will not only shape the fate of one country, but define the kind of world we leave to our future generations.
Thank you.
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