Resolution 2529 (2024)1Provisional version

Situation of the children of Ukraine

Parliamentary Assembly

1. Recalling its Resolution 2495 (2023) “Deportations and forcible transfers of Ukrainian children and other civilians to the Russian Federation or to temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories: create conditions for their safe return, stop these crimes and punish the perpetrators”, the Parliamentary Assembly firmly reiterates its condemnation of the full-scale war of aggression being waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the massive violations of the rights of Ukrainian children, who are particularly vulnerable victims of this war. Children should never be used as means of exerting pressure, or as war trophies.

2. No child in Ukraine has been spared by the war, and the Assembly emphasises that all Ukrainian children have the right to enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in relevant international human rights instruments and that the rights and best interests of the child must prevail in all decision making concerning them.

3. The Assembly expresses its gratitude to the member States of the Council of Europe that have put in place good conditions to welcome Ukrainian children, some benefiting from the temporary protection system granted by the European Union countries.

4. The Assembly emphasises the essential need for these children to receive education and healthcare, including mental health support, that are tailored to their specific situation, to maintain their connections with their language and culture, which will facilitate their future return to Ukraine, taking into account the best interests of the child.

5. In this regard, the Assembly supports the Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine and stands ready to fully co-operate in the framework of the activities of this group.

6. The Assembly refers to its Resolution 2448 (2022) “Humanitarian consequences and internal and external displacement in connection with the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine”. It deplores the challenges faced by the internally displaced children in Ukraine and calls for specific protection measures to be put in place for them.

7. The Assembly calls upon member States’ parliaments to enhance their political support towards meeting the objectives of the humanitarian response plan for Ukraine, with a specific emphasis on the needs of internally displaced children and their families. It has been estimated that a total sum of between US$4 billion and US$5 billion is needed to support war-affected communities in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees and their host communities in the region throughout 2024.

8. The Assembly calls upon member States to step up support to humanitarian organisations, including volunteers, civil-society organisations and other local groups working in Ukraine to protect internally displaced children, recognising their tremendous efforts and contribution.

1. Assembly debate on 25 January 2024 (5th sitting) (see Doc. 15901, report of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Ms Olena Khomenko); and Doc. 15902, opinion of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, rapporteur: Ms Sandra Zampa). Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 January 2024 (5th sitting).

See also Recommendation 2265 (2024).

28 DE FEVEREIRO DE 2024 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

49