Argentina has announced its plans to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported from Russia. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, at least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed as abducted, with less than 400 having been returned home. A Ukrainian delegation, led by presidential adviser Daria Herasymchuk and Ambassador to Argentina Yurii Klymenko, visited Argentina as part of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Bring Kids Back UA project. The delegation met with representatives from the Argentine government, National Congress, EU member states, Ukrainian community, educators, experts, and journalists to garner support for the initiative.
During the visit, Herasymchuk emphasized the importance of Argentina’s involvement in the coalition, stating that Argentina has its own traumatic memories and lost childhood destinies. By joining efforts to save kidnapped Ukrainian children and fulfill the 4th point of the Peace Formula proposed by President Zelensky, countries around the world can create an effective system for protecting children globally. Argentina has expressed its intention to join the coalition in the near future, with legislators already submitting a draft declaration to parliament regarding membership. Additionally, there are reports that Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, may visit Kyiv in June, marking the first visit by a South American leader to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war.
In a separate development, 13 more Ukrainian children have returned to Ukraine from Russia with the assistance of Qatar. Qatar has been acting as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children who are being illegally held by Russia. The involvement of Qatar in this process highlights the international effort and collaboration required to address the issue of abducted Ukrainian children. By working together with various countries and organizations, it is hoped that more Ukrainian children will be reunited with their families and brought back to their home country.
The return of abducted Ukrainian children is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and concerted global action. The scale of child abductions by Russia during the conflict in Ukraine is alarming, with thousands of children still missing or held against their will. The collaboration between Ukraine, Argentina, and other countries in the international coalition demonstrates the solidarity and commitment to bringing these children back home. By advocating for the safe return of Ukrainian children, the coalition aims to uphold the rights and well-being of all children affected by conflicts and displacement.
The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and civil society, is essential in addressing the complex challenges related to child abductions in conflict zones. By raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and advocating for policy changes, the international community can work towards preventing and resolving cases of child abduction and trafficking. The efforts of countries like Argentina and Qatar in supporting Ukraine’s initiative to bring back abducted children reflect a shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable individuals in society.
As the international coalition continues to expand and garner support from various countries, the hope is that more Ukrainian children will be reunited with their families and provided with the necessary support and assistance for their recovery. The return of abducted children is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of all children affected by conflicts. By standing in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting efforts to bring back its abducted children, countries like Argentina and Qatar are contributing to the global fight against child exploitation and trafficking.
