The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, announced on April 16 the launch of a new international initiative called #ChildrenAreNotNegotiable. The campaign aims to draw attention to over 20,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted or forcibly displaced by Russia.
The minister shared this information on social media.
#ChildrenAreNotNegotiable: A Global Campaign for the Rescue of Ukraine's Children
The campaign was launched during Holy Week before Easter. The leader of the initiative noted that not every Ukrainian family can be reunited during these festive days, as thousands of children remain abducted by Russia, separated from their families, homes, and homeland.
“Today, we are starting the international campaign #ChildrenAreNotNegotiable to remind the world of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly displaced by Russia,” emphasized Sybiha.
He also highlighted the systematic attempts by Russia to undermine Ukrainian identity by abducting children, re-educating them, and placing them in Russian families.
The minister stressed the urgent need for further investigations into these crimes and holding those responsible accountable.
“A just and lasting peace requires the return of all these Ukrainian children home,” stated the Foreign Minister. He urged his colleagues – foreign ministers from around the world – to join the #ChildrenAreNotNegotiable campaign and support the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
How many Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia
The Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that Russia continues to commit crimes against Ukrainian children, holding up to 1.6 million minors under its control – deported or living in occupied territories.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Commissioner for Children's Rights for the illegal deportation of children.
The White House's Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has ceased funding the Yale University's Humanitarian Research Laboratory, which assisted in locating Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
