Holy See: Ukrainian children must return to their families
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations continues its efforts, including through Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, for the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
The Holy See will continue its efforts to ensure that Ukrainian children return to their families — including “through the efforts of the Special envoy of the Holy Father for humanitarian issues in Ukraine”, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi — and to ensure the release of prisoners of war.
This is what was stated in the declaration of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations during an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. This meeting was an occasion to encourage the parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the international community, to “continue working for the return of children to their families, which is an issue of justice and must not be overshadowed by political considerations.”
Opening to dialogue
“The protracted war in Ukraine,” the statement continues, “with its profound and painful consequences, has resulted in the devastation of once-vibrant cities and the disruption of the lives of children, who should be growing up in a peaceful environment, not one afflicted by conflicts.”
The statement thus appeals for “an immediate ceasefire, which will pave the way for sincere and courageous dialogue,” to bring an end to the war “not at some undefined moment in the future, but right now.”
“With each passing day, the number of victims increases, the destruction widens and the hatred deepens. Every day without peace steals something from all of humanity,” the declaration insists.
The Holy See urges the nations gathered at the UN in New York to “reject passivity and provide tangible support for any initiative that could lead to genuine negotiations and lasting peace.”
The UN resolution
The General Assembly has therefore asked Russia — with a non-binding resolution passed with 91 votes in favor, 12 against and 57 abstentions — for “the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.”
The resolution also urges Moscow “to cease, without delay, any further practice of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families and legal guardians, change of personal status, including through citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.”
They also express “deep concern about the impact of the war on children, in particular the fate of all Ukrainian children who have been separated from their families since 2014, including those forcibly transferred within the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and those deported to the Russian Federation.”
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