Statement for the meeting "Restoring Childhood and Humanity: Advancing Peace in Ukraine Through the Return of Ukrainian Children"

President Zelenskyj, Your Majesty, Prime minister Carney. Thank you for hosting today’s important event.

I am honored to have Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden here today. She has worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable children around the world from abuse, exploitation, and violence.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Queen Silvia has raised her voice for the youngest victims, the children.

As a mother, it is impossible not to be moved by the contributions shared by the speakers before me. A stolen childhood is a grave injustice. These children belong in their homes, with their families, friends and teachers in Ukraine. 

To speed up their return, let me make three points:

First and foremost, we need to discuss how we can support the efforts that have facilitated the return of the children. In addition, we need to combine these efforts with additional pressure on Russia, including acting jointly through the UN and other relevant international bodies.

Secondly, impunity is not an option. Sweden is fully committed to ensuring that those responsible for the war crimes of unlawful deportations or transfer of Ukrainian children are held accountable. The crimes may amount to crimes against humanity.

Accountability requires documentation. Sweden is actively contributing to ongoing initiatives to ensure accountability, including those by Ukrainian authorities, the International Criminal Court, the UN, the OSCE and civil society organizations.

Until justice is served, additional sanctions against those responsible must be imposed. In this context, we welcome additional sanctions designations of individuals linked to the abduction of the Ukrainian children. We also welcome the decision of the EU to become a member of the Coalition, and we look forward to the upcoming Summit.

Thirdly, the rights of the child must be at the centre of everything we do. Their best interests must guide our actions. We welcome and support the intensified efforts of Ukraine to develop a system of rehabilitation and reintegration for Ukrainian children that have been able to return home, and the ongoing reforms to build inclusive, integrated, and resilient child protection systems. 

Our join efforts to bring the children home must continue. There can be no peace without justice, and no justice until all children are allowed back home. 

Thank you. Slava Ukraini!