Minister Monika Navickienė: Europe is rallying to stop the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia
Today, the Minister of Social Security and Labour Monika Navickienė together with the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Maryna Lazebna signed a joint statement condemning Russia's draft amendments authorising the simplified adoption in Russia of Ukrainian children transferred from the Donbass and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, tens of thousands of children have been forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia without following the necessary procedures applicable under the Ukrainian law.
"The amendments to the laws currently being drafted in Russia clearly violate the Hague Convention and the right of children to stay in contact with their homeland. This is nothing but child abduction. We condemn this move by Russia and call on international organisations mandated to defend children's rights to take urgent action. The international community must take action in order to ensure that Ukrainian children return to their relatives or live safely in their homes in Ukraine," says Minister Navickienė.
On the eve of the visit of the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Lazebna, a group of disabled Ukrainian children arrived in Lithuania where they will be cared for and provided with all kinds of help.
According to Minister Navickienė, Russia's military aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and the principles of humanity, as civilians are killed, homes, cultural values, cities are destroyed. Therefore, after more than three months of war, it is important not to get tired and to continue to support Ukraine and its people in every way possible.
The Ministers discussed the issue of providing support to the Ukrainian people fleeing the war and their integration in Lithuania. The aim is to ensure that the Ukrainian people fleeing the war receive security, the necessary services, the opportunity to work and raise their children. More than 10,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine have already found employment.
"We are grateful to the non-governmental organisations for their important contribution to providing assistance to the people who have escaped the war, and to the volunteers for their time in hosting the Ukrainians. We would also like to thank all the people of Lithuania who are helping the people of Ukraine at this difficult time,” says Minister Navickienė.
Today's statement has already been signed by representatives of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, calling on international organisations mandated to protect children's rights to take urgent action in order to ensure basic services for Ukrainian children and to protect their right to maintain their national identity and family ties. Other countries are encouraged to follow suit, following the example of the signatories.
Last updated: 10-09-2022
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