Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, participated in the presentation of the White Paper titled “Protecting Children from Forced Displacement and Deportation.” This is the first document produced by the international expert group Bring Kids Back UA.
“The fourth point of the Peace Formula and the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky, have a clear goal – to return every abducted child home. Unconditionally. Without exceptions. This is not just a state initiative – it is our duty to the children and future generations,” said Andriy Yermak.
The White Paper was developed by over 15 international experts and organizations in the field of international law. The document reveals the systematic nature of the deportation and forced displacement of children perpetrated by the aggressor state, with all evidence clearly documented.
Andriy Yermak urged meeting participants to join forces to bring Ukrainian children home, encouraging countries to develop effective tools for child protection based on the recommendations of the White Paper.
“Today, we are not just presenting a document. We are urging action. We call on the international community to decisively condemn these crimes and do everything possible to bring our children back. By protecting their future, we are protecting the future of all humanity,” concluded the Head of the President's Office.
President’s Commissioner for Children's Rights and Rehabilitation Daria Gerasimchuk noted that Ukraine has been saying from the outset that Russia is abducting Ukrainian children to destroy the future of our country.
“This White Paper is part of broader efforts to protect children's rights and ensure their return to Ukraine. We will continue to act so that these children can return to their families,” she emphasized.
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin stated that all those involved in these crimes – from soldiers to the highest levels of Russian leadership – must be held accountable.
Ombudsman for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmytro Lubinets, added that the legal foundation laid by the White Paper will help Ukraine gain support from partners in implementing the fourth point of the Peace Formula.
Senior Advisor on Transitional Justice at the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Foundation, Sharanjit Parmar, emphasized that Russia is using children as a tool to achieve its political goals, violating international law principles.
The presentation was also attended by members of the international expert group Bring Kids Back UA, representatives from the countries of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, members of parliament, and representatives of Ukrainian and international human rights organizations. The event was moderated by Darija Zaryvna, Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office and Operational Director of Bring Kids Back UA.
The development of the White Paper was supported by the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Foundation.
