General Assembly: Eleventh Emergency Special Session, 22nd plenary meeting

Good afternoon. I declare the eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly resumed and call to order its twenty-second plenary meeting. Members will recall that in its resolution ES11/7 of February 24, 2025, the Assembly decided to adjourn the 11th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly to resume its meeting upon request from Member States. In this regard, I should like to draw the attention of delegations to document A/ES.11/162, which contains a letter dated November 25, 2025 from the representatives of Canada and Ukraine to the United Nations and the observer delegation of the European Union addressed to the President of the Assembly requesting the resumption of the eleventh emergency special session. I intend to conduct the proceedings of this meeting in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Assembly and the past practices of its emergency special sessions. In accordance with Rule 63 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, the President and Vice-Presidents of the 80th session shall serve in the same capacity as the resumed 11th emergency special session. Turning to the Credentials Committee, may I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to decide that the Credentials Committee of the 80th session should serve for the resumed 11th Emergency Special Session? It is so decided. In keeping with established practice, I should now like to invite the attention of the Assembly to document A/ES.11/163, concerning Member States that are in arrears in the payment of their financial contributions to the United Nations with the terms of Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the Assembly duly takes note of the information contained in this document? It is so decided. In this connection, may I further take it that it's the wish of the Assembly to follow the provisions of resolution AD/2 of October 14, 2025, by which the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Sao Tome and Principe are permitted to vote in the Assembly until the end of its 80th session, and to also allow these member states to vote at the resumed 11th Emergency Special Session? It is so decided. The Assembly will now resume its consideration of agenda item five entitled Letter dated February 28, 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council S/2014/136. The documentation under this item is announced in the Journal of the United Nations. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, imagine your 16-year-old going about your day at home, perhaps thinking about school or evening with friends. when suddenly soldiers armed with machine guns wearing balaclavas to mask their face burst into your home. They give you 30 minutes to gather your belongings, force you into a vehicle, and drive you away in an unknown direction. And you find yourself stuck for months in a nightmare. It's a different name, not allowed to speak your own language, cut off from contact with your loved ones. What sounds like fiction was a long, terrifying reality to Vladislav Rudenko, who was taken from his home in Kharkiv in southern Ukraine. "They tried to break me in every possible way," he told later reporters. His story is just one among thousands. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly relocated and re-educated since Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Some have been forcibly adopted, while others have been sent to military training camps. Vladislav was among the few who could be rescued. Another was Nastasia. who I met in Kiev in the Hope and Healing Center for Rescued Children. Through tears, she asked me, promise me you will not give in to the aggression. Promise me that you will not stay silent about what's happening. There are so many children, including some of my friends, who just want to come home. She may not know the precise role of this General Assembly of the United Nations, But in those few sentences, she distilled the essence and spirit of this institution and the core responsibility it still bears 80 years after its founding. To heed the calls of the people, especially the most vulnerable among them, children. And on this issue, these are not just their calls. This is what the international humanitarian law, which is crystal clear, demands of us, the General Assembly. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the forcible transfer or deportation of protected civilians, including children, from occupied territory under any circumstances. Likewise, the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms every child's right to identify family life, nationality, and protection from abduction. What we are witnessing, therefore, is not merely a tragedy of some children. It's a blatant violation of international law. Since February 2022, the General Assembly has reiterated its calls across eight resolutions adopted during this 11th Emergency Special Session for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine's internationally recognized territory. That is why the question of returning children cannot be viewed in a vacuum, for this issue would neither have arisen nor persisted without the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, ES-11/7 adopted by this Assembly highlighted its concern that the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has persisted for three years and continues to have a devastating and long-lasting consequences, not only for Ukraine, but also for other regions and global stability. In this context, the General Assembly has exercised its responsibilities with purpose and resolve at a time when the wider organization is under strain and when the Security Council has remained unable to act. Each General Assembly resolution has reaffirmed the need for a peaceful settlement grounded in the Charter of the United Nations and in the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity. It is in this same spirit, anchored in the Charter of the United Nations and in the resolution of this Assembly, that we resume today the 11th Emergency Special Session for the sake of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, for the sake of protecting the international order, the Ukrainian people and the most vulnerable among them, their children. I thank I now give the floor to Her Excellency Marianna Betza, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, to introduce draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1.

Thank you, Madam President. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's a great honor for me to present here today on behalf of Ukraine the draft UNGA resolution on the return of Ukrainian children. This resolution is not about politics. This resolution is about humanity. This resolution is about upholding the UN charter. This resolution is about our moral imperative to return each and every Ukrainian child back home. There can be no doubt every child deserves a home. where he feels loved, supported, and taken care of. This is a universal truth for all the countries, for all the regions, for all the children. With the war of aggression unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, our children became immediate and the most vulnerable target of the Russian aggression. Our children have been killed. Our children have been injured. Our children have been tortured, raped, Our children have been abducted and deported by Russia in grave breach of international law. And I'm standing here at this rostrum today to call for action, action to bring Ukrainians, children back home, not conditionally, not partially, not some way day later, but now. A child belongs with a family, with safety, with love, not in camps, institutions, or faraway places, where he is kept under the control of those who abducted them, not under false names, false flags, or aggressive propaganda. It is unimaginable what Ukrainian children are passing through every single day since 2014, when Russia waged its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. It is also unimaginable that someone could perceive children as war trophies. And yet, this is precisely how the aggressor treats Ukrainian children. as future cannon fodder for new aggressive wars, as political instruments to promote aggressive narratives. These cynical plans are disguised as so-called rescue operations. Indeed, Russia dares to claim that it rescues our children from their parents, from their homes, from their schools, at the same time killing their parents and burying them under the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by the missile and drone attacks. Our draft is to remind children are not trophies. They are boys and girls with the right to grow up in a family, in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. A right violently destroyed by Russian missile and drones. There are thousands of stories of pain, crime, tears, but also of courage. Let me share with you just one story among thousands. A Ukrainian girl, Veronika, now 16, at the age of 13 unexpectedly found herself in Russia, where she was forced to spend 14 months separated from her mother. She was bullied in a so-called children's rehabilitation center and at school. Police interrogations pressured her to confirm false testimony. She underwent forced gynecological and psychiatric examination. Several times, Veronika tried to escape and return to Ukraine, but her attempts were blocked. After being held in isolation, she finally managed to reach Ukraine, and now she studies in Kyiv in the 11th grade. And these are not separate tragedies. As of today, Russia has deported at least 20,000 Ukrainian children. We managed to return more than 1,850 Ukrainian children. But many are still missing. Many still are there, waiting in fear, hoping to be found, counting days when they will be rescued. Meanwhile, Russian officials officially declare that there are at least 7,400,000 Ukrainian children in Russia since the beginning of full-scale invasion. They claim these deportations were humanitarian, although the only humanitarian act Russia is able to perform is a humanitarian disaster. And only Russia knows the real number of the abducted and deported children. I would like to recall that on 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Maria Lvova-Belova and Vladimir Putin for the war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Ukraine continues to demand international justice and full accountability for all these crimes and for all acts committed against children. International law leaves no space for doubt. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the occupying power bears full responsibility for facilitating return and seizing unlawful transfers. Madam President, I would like to emphasize that the Russian Federation is the only state in modern history that abducts children from a sovereign state en masse. This is the largest state abduction operation in history. And Russia's policy towards Ukrainian children is a deliberate strategy. In Russian-occupied temporary territories and across Russia, Ukrainian children face systematic attempts to indoctrinate them by erasing their identity and replace them with a hostile narrative. Ukrainian language, literature, and history have been removed from classrooms and replaced with Russian curriculum that glorify the invasion and the Russian army. Ukrainian books are burned, banned. Teachers are cursed and dismissed. Parents face interrogation, intimidation, and even the threats of losing custody of their own children. These children are being taught that their motherland is not the enemy, that this is a Nazi state. Russia labels an entire Ukrainian nation as Nazis, and children are forced to absorb and repeat this lie. In schools, camps, and temporary facilities, Ukrainian children are taught to hate Ukraine, to hate their own countries. The goal is not just to educate them, but Russians have publicly declared on numerous occasions to make them Russians again, in inverted commas. Militarization is central to the process. Children are placed into so-called youth armies, drilled with propaganda, and instructed to serve the same military machine that destroyed their homes and killed their parents. Beyond occupied classrooms, the machinery of abduction expands further. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken deep into Russia. into foster systems and so-called adoptive families, often with their names and documents changed so they may never be traced. At least 210 known facilities hold Ukrainian children, including monasteries, military boarding schools, and orphanages. Investigations confirm a state-run chain of abduction, reeducation, and militarization. So this is not rescue, this is genocide. To mobilize strong international support and ensure a resolute response from the international community, Ukraine, together with Canada and the European Union, introduces the draft resolution, the return of Ukrainian children. This text stands firm on UN charter, international law, and on the universal truth that the best interests of child are paramount. It condemns forced transfers, illegal adoptions, erased identities. It demands immediate, safe and unconditional return. It urges accountability for all responsible. It tasks the UN system to assist in locating, verifying and ensuring access to every missing child. And of course, it welcomes the tireless efforts of those member states and international organizations who help us bring our children home. Your Excellencies, this resolution is about humanity. Not a single child should be separated from a family. Not a single child should endure what Ukrainian children are being endured for the entire 12 years into the war. Many children wait to be rescued, suffering, hidden, silenced. Their voices cannot reach this hall. However, there is still hope because they believe that our voices are strong enough. Let this Guide us during the vote on the draft resolution, the return of Ukrainian children. I urge every member state, let this assembly speak for them. Let this assembly demand their unconditional return. Let this assembly act. Our children are non-negotiable. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable. The UN charter and justice are not negotiable. Ukraine calls on the UN General Assembly to help our children. and to advance peace, the peace process, because there will be no just peace in Ukraine without the immediate unconditional return of our children back home. My delegation also moves that the debate on agenda item five be suspended at 4:00 PM today in order for the Assembly to proceed to the consideration of the draft resolution A/ES.11/L.20. point 16 revision 1 on the understanding that the debate would continue immediately after action on the draft resolution and the 11th emergency session would only be temporarily adjourned after the conclusion of the debate. Thank you.

I thank the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. I heard the representative of Ukraine has moved that the debate on the agenda item five be suspended at 4:00 PM for the assembly to proceed to the consideration of the draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1 and that the debate would continue after the action on the draft resolution. This is on the understanding that if the Assembly were to decide to suspend the debate at 4:00 p.m. to proceed to the consideration of draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1 and to continue the debate after the action on the draft resolution, and if the Assembly were to subsequently adopt the draft resolution, the eleventh emergency special session would be adjourned temporarily following the conclusion of the debate on item five. Is there any objection to the motion? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, distinguished colleagues, we have convened today in this hall for a meeting which should not have been taking place and the purpose of which runs counter to the purposes and the principles of the United Nations, which are enshrined in the charter thereof, namely, thwarting the achievement of a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis. Let us begin with a point of procedure. You, Madam President, You had no justification for the resumption today of the 11th emergency special session of the General Assembly. As is well known, the decision to convene a session is contained in Security Council Resolution 2623, and it was substantiated by the lack of unanimity of the permanent members, a failure of the Council to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. On the 24th of February, 2025, A resolution was adopted, 2774. This resolution noted the need for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. In this way, the Council fulfilled its function for the maintenance of peace and now According to that resolution, all of the efforts of the United Nations need to be focused on facilitating a peaceful resolution. In this way, resolution 2723 was replaced and there was no justification for convening this session. However, as we see, the session was resumed in breach of the rules of the organization itself at the demand of European countries who love to position themselves as champions of rules. This is a detail which is telling. The rules for the representatives of these delegations are not applicable to them. They have been created for others. And the statements… representatives of Germany are completely clear why they have no concerns whatsoever about the rules of the organization. Distinguished colleagues, today, as concrete steps are being undertaken to establish peace in Ukraine, and it would seem to be obvious that all efforts need to be subordinate precisely to that imperative, this is not convenient to the authorities of Kyiv or nor their Canadian European patrons. In order to derail these efforts, they have embraced their favorite weapon lies we have heard many lies from these delegations in this hall these delegations are attempting to weave an entire web of lies from the resolutions that they have trotted out which are being adopted by their own votes these mendacious resolutions are mere papers which with time will be the subject of the attention of historians who study crises phenomena in our organization however today the european canadian kiev triumvirate has outdone itself, having chosen for a particularly cynical lie, namely assistance to children. Distinguished colleagues, each time the discussion turns to the situation of children in conflict, be it at the Security Council, at the General Assembly, or even in formal discussions of diplomats, always the main premise is heard, saving children is not subject to politicization. How frequently we hear about fulfillment of humanitarian objectives, that there is a need for painstaking work for this establishment of dialogue, not pinning labels, for the fate of children is determined by this. However, when we talk about political interests of the European political class, who for centuries has been unable to abandon their desire to progress eastward, they cannot set aside the dream about Ukraine having to become its vassal, its ammunition against Russia. All principles then turn to dust. The draft resolution is a best example of this. This is a litmus test for those who have positioned themselves as champions of the rights of the child. In order to see clearly the politicized nature of the text, suffice it to look at the name, the return of Ukrainian children. A question arises, only Ukrainian children? What needs to happen then with Russian children who have lost ties with their relatives? Do their rights and interests have to be ignored? And what about mixed Russian Ukrainian families? It is proposed that through a General Assembly decision we divide children based on national affiliation, and yet the purpose of this text clearly is not to help children. The purpose is to advance the narrative about the alleged deportation of children by Russia. For several years we've heard the figure, allegedly 20,000 deported children. This figure has not changed. It is not substantiated by any notes, lists, and no surveys from families or parents. We have never seen any list of children allegedly deported by Russia. The authors of the text have no qualms about the obvious lie, the fact that this is a lie. What is most important for is a lie to be loud and for it to be repeated frequently. This is a propagandistic well-known method. The real situation, the resolution completely distorts the real situation. You will not learn from it that the issue of children is one of the few where between Russia and Ukraine there is real mechanism of their direct cooperation, which has been fully operational since 2023, and that this work includes participation of the ombudsperson of the Russian person on the rights of the child, Maria Alexeeva-Livova-Belova on the Russian side, and the ombudsperson from Ukraine on children on human rights, Dmitry Lyubiansky on the Ukrainian side. There is no mention in the draft about the contribution to this work of mediators, the ICRC, the Holy See, and of course, the state of Qatar, which played a significant role in the question verification of instances of reunification and the delivery of logistical assistance. At the highest level, the Russian leadership also supported the initiative of the US First Lady, Melania Trump, who participates in addressing the plight of children who suffer as a result of military hostilities. We have been and we shall remain open to cooperation on matters of assisting children, irrespective of political pseudo-resolutions. You will not learn from the resolution that the reunification of children is a two-way street, 122 children returned to Ukraine, 29 children returned to Russia. And lastly, from the Russian, you will not -- the resolution, you will not learn that all of the demands to present us with a list of children that the Ukrainian side is talking about was handed over in June this year in Istanbul. A list was received of 339 names. And some of these names were adults and some of them never were present in Russia. And in verification of the information, it often comes to light that the children who are allegedly missing are with their parents or close relatives or were never missing. Many of them continue to live in the areas where they allegedly went missing from. It bears noting that in receiving this list, Russia proposed that the Security adopt a relevant presidential statement in order to oversee and facilitate the process, and yet this was blocked by European countries, and I will return to their role a little bit later. However, contrary to this reality, the draft proposed for consideration today, like any other outcome of the 11th Emergency Special Session, is full of mendacious accusations. For example, it has baseless allegations about Russia, Russian violations of the norms of IHL, nor is there no, there is no mention about the children being able to be evacuated from areas of hostilities, that there can be children who lose ties with relatives, which is not at all linked to violations. The resolution expresses concern about the simplified procedure for gaining access to Russian citizenship for Ukrainian refugees that this procedure is something that refugees throughout the world dream about and yet with as with under Russian legislation there is no need to even abandon to abandon Ukrainian citizenship not to mention the fact that this is purely voluntary there's another favored accusation of forcible adoption of Ukrainian children we repeatedly clarify that this term that this is deliberately misleading insofar as in reality this is a preliminary temporary guardianship of children who already were without guardianship the main purpose of the use of this arrangement is for children to be in families. This is specifically embraced in order to potentially, in light of taking into account the need to reunify minors and their blood relatives when they are found. And this is mentioned by the representative of a state who prohibited the Russian language. which is the native language for many Ukrainians, who prohibited destroying the Ukrainian Orthodox site, taking down monuments to writers, burning books. You're probably talking about yourselves when you're talking about the erasure of identity. Distinguished colleagues, also noteworthy is the fact that the resolution does not talk about Ukrainian children in Europe. So a question arises. Do Ukrainian children not travel to Europe? Do situations not arise there when their relatives lose ties with them? Even a cursory search through open sources will be sufficient in order to discover that back in 2022, the European Commission noted that there are 23,000 children who were unaccompanied or separated from their families in Europe. And yet the authors of the investigation have also said that the real figure can be far higher, but nobody is sounding the alarm. Nobody is proclaiming that this is the removal of children, that it might be non-voluntary. Nobody is interested in the data about their specific location, their status, nor their opportunities to have access to education in their mother tongue, or whether they're being subjected to cultural assimilation. in uh according to open sources only in March of 2023 445 children uh reached Latvia and they were placed with families and it is noted that the European Union uh does not recognize documents issued by danes and Lugan what lugansk what impact this is the fact that these documents are not recognized having on the separated children and their families and so a legitimate question arises why are these children not mentioned in the resolution perhaps instead of the false theatrical participation of the European Union when it comes to the plight of children, the fate of children in Russia. Perhaps rather than doing the theatrics, they should consider what is happening at home and here, consider the expulsion of migrants, the death of migrants in the Mediterranean, and various discriminatory practices targeting them. And actually, perhaps we are not talking about to concern about the plight of children, but rather a desire to slander Russia. Let's recall what the conflict in Ukraine began with. As you remember, in 2014, following a coup, the authorities in Kiev who seized power proclaimed that those residents in southeast Ukraine were terrorists and they unleashed a so-called counterterrorism operation targeting them, as a result of which hundreds of children became victims. These crimes were unknown noticed by European champions of human rights. And Donbas children grew up and matured under shelling. And this was simply not noticed insofar as it did not advance your political interest. And even now, you fail to know how UAF military personnel continue with impunity to perpetrate grave violations targeting children in Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, Kursk, Belgorod. Only during the week of 24 to 30 November, two Children were wounded as a result of drone strikes targeting a vehicle in Sukhura, Kherson Oblast. And this is a very telling instance because the UAF is hunting down civilian vehicles as a result of a strike. drone strike targeting a home in Dragunsk, Belgorodsk Oblast, a five-year-old boy was hospitalized with serious injuries, his mother died. A 14-year-old child was wounded as a result of MLRS strike in Krasnoarmeysk. A 15-year-old girl was seriously wounded in the head as a result of a missile strike targeting Sevastopol in adolescent was wounded as a result of a drone strike targeting Cheboksar in Chuvash. And Ukrainian drones attacked school number one in Khovsk in her son oblast using mortars. Ukraine has no concern about the use of mines, which children pick up and play with. Lipa stock miles, Lipa stock mile mines who will condemn Ukraine for these crimes? Will they remain passed over in silence? The children, the topic of children was not chosen for no reason, and this is precisely what is being speculated on with feelings and emotions being brought to play. But we focus on the facts. There's a need to talk about talk with those who not in word, but indeed help to facilitate reunification of both Russian and Ukrainian children to whom we extend our gratitude. We call upon you to block the use of the general Assembly, the use of the General Assembly for your parochial political goals, particularly when that goal is war to the last Ukrainian, we believe that the lies will be dispelled in any event. This is what happened in the past for years. Those same authors who today are advancing this resolution advanced mendacious anti-Russian narratives about the alleged discrimination of Crimean Tatars in Crimea. Do you remember those resolutions? They still, but with a lesser degree of enthusiasm, continue to turn to this topic, but they forget to state that in January 2024, a verdict was handed down by the ICJ, which completely repudiated these baseless allegations. The court did not find a single violation of the rights of Crimean Tatars. The myth of the deported Ukrainian children emanates from those same sources, and it has the same degree of credibility. Distinguished delegates, today you have an opportunity to contribute to the triumph of truth. The Russian Federation requested a vote on draft L16, and we intend to vote against it. We call upon all states to follow suit. When the time arrives, so to choose which button to press, remember each vote for the resolution is support for lies, war, and confrontation. A vote against is a vote for peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and the following member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Colleagues, the past weeks, we have worked closely with the missions of Ukraine and Canada. to put forward this resolution. We did so because we believe it is important for the international community to remain seized of the intolerable situation of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or transferred since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014. Let me be clear, all children affected by conflicts need our full attention. The latest report of the Secretary-General on children in armed conflict showed an alarming increase in violations committed against children in conflict situations. We must do more to prevent such violations and to ensure accountability is brought to bear against perpetrators, because if we don't, they will continue doing it. If we don't, they will continue doing it. In this specific case, The evidence about the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children speaks for itself. The inhumane practice of forced child deportation and transfers has been credibly corroborated by international organizations, including the United Nations, through the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Children in Armed Conflict, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Independent Commission of Inquiry. These UN corroborations, the Russian Federation today in this room had the gull to call lies. These UN collaborations. But you don't need those. Russian, senior Russian officials themselves, including some against whom the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2023, precisely for this. have at various moments publicly boasted of their efforts to illegally deport children from Ukraine, which sometimes they euphemistically call humanitarian evacuations, thereby incriminating themselves. UN and other international organizations, such as the ICRC, UNICEF, and the High Commissioner for Refugees, face tremendous obstacles in monitoring the situation of these children, which Russia consistently tries to conceal, although it has all the facts about them. Shameful. Colleagues, through inclusive and transparent consultations over the course of the past month, We have engaged the UN membership first through the members of the International Coalition of the Return of Ukrainian Children and subsequently through broader consultations. We have carefully weighed all comments and suggestions received on our draft. The result is a short, focused and operational text. It recalls the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Geneva Conventions. and encourages all efforts aimed at the resolution of the war in line with international law. In three operative paragraphs, the resolution demands Russia ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of Ukrainian children and cease its forcible transfers and deportations in the future, and requests the U.N. Secretary-General to exercise his good offices to facilitate the children's return and ensure access for international monitoring and humanitarian organizations. Colleagues, many countries in this Assembly have called for an end to this brutal war in line with the UN Charter. The European Union has repeatedly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and for genuine peace negotiations even in the midst of continued Russian aggression and bombings of civilians. But the abducted children of Ukraine cannot wait for the final outcome. They cannot wait for Russia's decision to stop the war or not. We have the moral responsibility and authority not to stay idle. The implementation of this resolution will go a long way in addressing one of the most dramatic consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This call for action is a testimony to the basic principles of the UN Charter and a glimmer of hope for so many children and their families. Colleagues, I respectfully ask you to co-sponsor the text and to vote in favor. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations.

Madam President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the UN. Madam President, we gather today at a moment of heightened fragility for international peace and security. The world continues to face an escalating crisis of trust, leadership, values and multilateralism, one that, as we have already stressed in the past, threatens the very foundations of our collective security system. Against this backdrop, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that this General Assembly effectively contributes to de-escalation, not confrontation, to dialogue, not division, to peace, not provocation. It is precisely in light of those reasons that we consider that the timing and content of the draft resolution before us today raise deep concern. At a time when sensitive negotiations are ongoing in Geneva and when recent diplomatic efforts have opened once again a narrow but genuine window for a comprehensive political settlement to the conflict in and around Ukraine, we find ourselves confronted with an initiative that risks derailing dialogue. politicizing a deeply humanitarian matter and instrumentalizing once more this body for advancing narrow geopolitical ends. Such divisive approaches, we cannot overemphasize, have repeatedly proved counterproductive and have contributed to pushing the prevailing situation on the ground towards ever more dangerous phases. Madam President, The Member States of our group emphasize that children must never become objects of political theater. The protection, well-being and reunification of children separated by conflict are responsibilities that demand objectivity, cooperation and verified facts, not name and shame tactics, selectivity or information distortions. In this regard, we take note, for instance, of the non-paper circulated recently by the Russian Federation, which provides factual clarifications on the issue at hand, including the absence of any complete or verified list of allegedly missing minors. Inconsistencies in the publicly circulated figures, the establishment of direct contact mechanisms between Russian and Ukrainian authorities on child reunification, and the facilitation of returns in both directions with the support of international partners such as the ICRC, the Holy See, and Qatar. These are not minor elements. On the contrary, they are central to ensuring an objective, depoliticized and constructive treatment of the issue before us. That is precisely the approach required under the Charter of the United Nations, which is expected from this General Assembly. Madam President, we have repeatedly underscored that peace cannot be advanced by fueling confrontation. nor by promoting initiatives filled with double standards and high selectiveness, which only undermine trust and deepen divisions. The continued instrumentalization of this assembly, including through resolutions that deliberately exclude the legitimate concerns of all parties to the conflict and fail to address its root causes, run counter to the letter and spirit of the UN charter. We stress that we must not repeat the mistakes of recent years during which unilateral narratives, block based pressures and incendiary rhetoric have pushed the conflict steadily towards escalation and away from diplomacy and from peaceful resolution. Today, more than ever, the international community must practice restraint, responsibility and respect for the letter and spirit of the UN Charter, including the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes. We reiterate in this regard that security is indivisible and that no state can build its security at the expense of another. This is a principle we have consistently defended across all regions. including in the Eurasian context. Madam President, this General Assembly should not be used to sabotage or preempt the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts, nor should it be misled into believing that confrontational, non-consensual resolutions will somehow advance the cause of peace. The opposite is true. As we have previously said, prolonging confrontations, promoting block politics or imposing unilateral agendas will never serve the purpose of achieving lasting peace. Instead, we urge all member states to give diplomacy a chance, a genuine chance. We must foster an environment conducive to negotiation, compromise and sustainable peace. This is the only path that honors our collective responsibility and prevents the world from sleepwalking into wider conflict. The draft resolution before us would in no way bring us any closer to that common goal. Therefore, the group of friends in defense of the charter reiterates that children deserve protection, not politicization, reunification, not exploitation, truth, not distortion. We must reject any initiative that increases tensions, undermines negotiations, or threatens to close the narrow window for peace that has reemerged in recent weeks. The world cannot afford further escalation. Let us therefore act with wisdom, responsibility and fidelity to the principles and purposes of the Charter. Let us give peace, real peace, a chance. Thank you very much, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Latvia on behalf of the Baltic States.

Madam President, Madam Deputy Minister, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am addressing the General Assembly on behalf of the three Baltic States, Estonia, Lithuania, and my own country, Latvia. We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union. The ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now approaching four years, has had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of children. Children are regularly among the victims of Russia's indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against civilian population of Ukraine. Those who survive are forced to endure unimaginable hardship and trauma. Russia's brutal war of aggression against its neighbor has robbed Ukrainian children of their childhoods, their right to education, and family life is violated. They suffer illegal deportation from their homeland. They are subjected to political and military indoctrination, aiming to erase their culture and national identity. The Baltic states strongly support the resolution to be adopted today. This resolution stands for everything the multilateral system represents and what each and every UN member state has pledged to. the protection of civilians, especially children in armed conflict. Madam President, Russia has learned that it cannot destroy Ukraine on the battlefield. Therefore, it systematically violates international law in an attempt to try to weaken the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Today, over 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain under Russia's control, both in occupied territories and as a result of deportation. Killing, forcibly transferring and illegally deporting, indoctrinating and militarizing Ukrainian children is the most dreadful part of Russia's policy. It is documented in the 2024 Secretary General Annual Report on Children in Armed Conflict and reports of the UN OHCHR. Make no mistake, This is not just an unintended side effect of the Russia's aggression. This is a deliberate and integral tactics of Russia's warfare aimed at erasing Ukraine's future. Let me also remind that the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for the Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children are still in effect. This is a war crime. In fact, it is a whole series of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Baltic states strongly condemn Russia and its accomplices in executing these atrocity crimes. Madam President, the resolution to be adopted today gives us hope, hope that collective action can stop Russia's atrocities and facilitate the immediate and safe return of all Ukrainian children. We would like to emphasize that in its discussions on peace, Ukraine has acted responsibly by consistently highlighting the humanitarian aspect of this war of aggression. We commend Ukraine for placing the safety, rights, and security of its people at the center of the peace talks. Together with the Secretary-General and the United Nations system, let us protect Ukraine's future, its children. Let us bring them home. Let us bring this horrific crime come to an end. Russia must provide information on all the children and their locations and allow them to return home immediately. Russia must grant access to the International Committee of the Red Cross and human rights monitors. As founding members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, We will continue to provide practical support to protect Ukrainian children and ensure their safe return home. We stand ready to work together with Ukraine and all partners in this initiative to provide safe pathways home for all Ukrainians. The international community must make every effort to demand accountability from Russia and its accomplices. Russia and its leaders must be held accountable for the crime of aggression through an international tribunal that enjoys broad support and legitimacy. We also strongly urge the international community to support efforts to implement the International Court of Justice binding order demanding Russia to halt its military offensive against Ukraine. Madam President, in conclusion, let me reiterate the strong commitment of the Baltic States Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to provide Ukraine with necessary support. The safe return of every Ukrainian child is a fundamental step towards achieving just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter at its core. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Latvia. 00, and in the light of the decision taken by the Assembly earlier today to suspend the debate on agenda item 5 at 4:00 PM, the Assembly shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16, revision 1, and will continue the debate after action on the draft resolution. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/rev.1. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, Madam President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1. Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Slovakia, and Switzerland. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1, please signify by pressing the microphone button now.

I see no additional co-sponsor.

Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the secretariat. Before proceeding further, I wish to address the question concerning the majority required for the adoption of the draft resolution. In light of Article 18, paragraph 2 and 3 of the Charter of the United Nations, is there any objection to taking action on draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1 by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting? I see no objection. The two-thirds majority of members present and voting is therefore required for the adoption of draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/rev.1. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/rev1 entitled Return of Ukrainian children. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/rev.1, please signify. Those against, abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/rev1 entitled return of Ukrainian children. Will all delegations confirm that the votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed.

Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 91, against 12, abstentions 57. Before giving the Draft resolution A/ES.11/L.16/Rev.1 is therefore adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes, and be made from their seats before we do turn to the previous speaking list. I see explanations of votes, I give the floor to Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Madam President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the GCC countries, which are the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. Madam President, the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated their extreme concern over the continued Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which is approaching its fourth year. And we are concerned over the humanitarian and catastrophic results and impacts on civilians, especially women and children. The GCC member states reaffirm their firm positions calling for commitment to the basic principles of international law and the purposes of the United Nations Charter, which reiterates the importance.

Of maintaining Ukraine's independence and sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, non-interference in its internal affairs, and.

Relationships of good neighborliness. We also note Article 2 of the Charter, which obliges member states to settle their disputes.

Peacefully and to refrain from the use of force or threatened with the use of force in international relations. Madam President, the GCC member states have abstained on the draft resolution under consideration today in light of the ongoing political and humanitarian efforts made by several members of the GCC to mediate between the Ukrainian and Russian sides.

The group has engaged positively in the negotiation process by offering some amendments because we believe in the extreme humanitarian importance of the issue of children who have been separated from their families because of the ongoing conflict between the Ukrainian and Russian sides. And we believe it is important to find a fast solution to the issue of the children away from any political considerations. We express our appreciation to those who have submitted this resolution and those who have submitted a revised copy of the resolution that includes some of the proposed amendments. At the same time, we stress the need for draft resolutions on these issues to seek to resolve the issues of all children. Affected by this crisis in a comprehensive manner, the GCC member states welcome the continued efforts in mediation and in offering a humanitarian response since the Russian-Ukrainian crisis began. We also note the efforts made to facilitate political dialogue between the two sides and to contribute towards reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families. as well as efforts to secure an exchange of prisoners. And here the GCC member states appreciate the Ukrainian and Russian Federation's efforts to cooperate with work to guarantee the security and safety of these children and to support efforts to reunite them with their families. In closing, the member states of the GCC renew their commitment to continuing humanitarian efforts to help those who have been affected by the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and to support other initiatives that seek dialogue and a peaceful resolution. We appreciate the humanitarian efforts being made by the United Nations and international organizations and member states in this field. I thank you, Madam.

I thank the speaker of Bahrain. I now give the floor to the speaker of China.

President, China abstained on the draft GA resolution on the return of Ukrainian children that was just voted on. This voting position reflects our consistent principles and stance on the Ukraine issue. We have always maintained that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter be observed, and legitimate security concerns of all countries be taken seriously in all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported. The full-blown Ukraine crisis has been ongoing for over three years. The relentless conflict and fighting have inflicted immense suffering on people of both sides. Child protection in armed conflict is essentially a humanitarian issue that should be addressed within the framework of international law and international humanitarian law. As Russia and Ukraine have established relevant mechanism to address children's issues, China doesn't support the politicization of child protection, as it would further exacerbate tensions between the two sides. to the conflict, artificially delay the resolution process and cause greater harm to children caught in armed conflict. Dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path to resolving the Ukraine crisis. The foremost task now is to advance dialogue and negotiation, seek a political solution and reach a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, fundamentally resolve the conflict and truly achieve universal and common security. President, China has always stood firmly on the side of dialogue and on the side of peace. We are ready to remain engaged with all parties to work actively to ease and de-escalate situations and advance political settlement of the crisis. Thank you, President.

I thank China and I'll give the floor to South Africa.

Madam President thank you for convening the 11th emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly to consider the draft resolution on the return of Ukrainian children South Africa has continuously advocated for urgent action to end the conflict in Ukraine by establishing an immediate ceasefire and beginning genuine and inclusive negotiations without preconditions. South Africa remains committed to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict within the rules-based system centered on the international law and the UN charter. We emphasize once again that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states remain inviolable. In all our pronouncements, South Africa has expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict and its local, regional and international political and socio-economic implications, including on food and energy security in the developing world. The plight of the Ukrainian children, about which we gather here today, is one of the unfortunate social consequences of this ongoing conflict. Madam President, South Africa unequivocally regrets the displacement of children during times of conflict and in the current context calls on all sides to this conflict to refrain from actions that displace and abuse children, especially those in violation of the central precepts of international law and international humanitarian law. We also firmly support without qualification the expeditious return of all displaced children to their families or designated welfare system, for them to resume and live their lives free from violence in a social context that respects their identity and celebrate their humanity. We remind the global community that all children everywhere, whether they be rich or poor, or of any religious or cultural affiliation, have inherent rights that must be respected and protected with their best interest being paramount and at the forefront of all decision making processes that may affect them in any way. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the cornerstone of this central respect for the rights of children. It enjoys near universal support and serves as an important reminder of the need for centrality of and adherence to international law as the central organizing principle of our world. Madam President, South Africa holds these rights as self-evident and implores all member states to refrain from politicizing the lives of children. The rights of children should not become a bargaining tool in any conflict. Our humanity forbids such action. We remain committed to play a meaningful role as a bridge builder between the conflicting parties, including in the effort towards the return of Ukrainian children. We believe that children are the rock upon which we build the future, a future free from violence, a future where their heritage and ingenuity is celebrated and that diversity acknowledged. On the specifics of the draft resolution under consideration by the GA, some of the inferences being made remains contentious and unclear, especially given the context of the Ukraine conflict. Any allegations should be verified, as the resolution suggests, through the good offices of the United Nations Secretary General. In conclusion, we emphasize that South Africa remains in firm support of a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reached through a negotiated settlement with all parties around the table. We believe that the issue of missing Ukrainian children must be urgently resolved. And South Africa, in collaboration with Canada, Qatar, and the Holy See, is engaged an initiative focused on the fulfillment of international law to ensure both the protection of children and critically their safe return. We will continue to support such diplomatic efforts. We must not create further obstacles in finding an end to the conflict and ensuring the return of the children. South Africa's vote today reflects the importance of the need to respect international law and that children should never be targets of breaches of both international human rights and international humanitarian law. I thank you.

I thank South Africa. I give the floor to Colombia.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to begin by expressing our deep concern about the extremely vulnerable situation that girls and boys in Ukraine are facing. Their lives, dreams and opportunities have been torn apart by a conflict that should never have affected them. We recognize their resilience, but also the unbearable weight that no child should have to carry. That is why we state without ambiguity that we reject strongly any measure under any pretext that violates children's fundamental rights and that undermines the guarantees that as states we are compelled to uphold. We categorically condemn all grave violations and crimes committed against children in armed conflicts, in particular those crimes that harm their lives, integrity, dignity and development. It is In this regard, Madam President, that I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to children throughout the world. We have stressed our duty and that of all states to accountability, justice and prevention given the situations that children in armed conflict face. We need to design public policies to guarantee protective environments, to strengthen institutions and to move towards non-repetition of grave violations of children's rights. As proof of this, we convened the first global ministerial conference to put an end to violence against children from the 7th to 8th of November last year in Bogota, in which 101 countries discussed specific measures to be taken and we adopted the Bogota call to action, which establishes six commitments for guarantees, legal protection and strengthening protection systems, managing online risks and inter-institutional and international cooperation. To date, 59 countries have joined this appeal, which reflects the sustained global momentum to put an end to violence against children. Madam President, Colombia shares the concerns of the Secretary General on children in armed conflict. and with regard to the significant increase in grave violations in the conflict in Ukraine, we call on both parties to facilitate the reunification of unaccompanied and/or separated children who have been taken away from their families or guardians. Reunification must be facilitated and humanitarian aid must be delivered without any hindrances. We are grateful to the facilitators for presenting this resolution, and we welcome the efforts that various Member States and international organisations have made to guarantee the safe return of Ukrainian children to their families. We also believe that for any decision of the General Assembly to be effective, then the channels of communication need to be maintained open between the relevant authorities and there has to be full cooperation of all parties including with UN agencies working on the ground. That is why Colombia abstained on this resolution and we urge the parties to share any information that can lead to mutually agreeable solutions to uphold children's best interests and implement the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as to find a peaceful, lasting solution to this conflict as a whole. Thank you.

I thank Colombia. I now give the floor to Senegal.

Thank you, Madam President. Senegal reaffirms our unstinting commitment to the protection of children affected by armed conflict, regardless of where they may be located. Children need to be shielded from the horrors of war without any distinction, any forced transfer, unjustified separation, and violence targeting children. grave violations of international law, and yet Senegal abstained for a number of reasons during the vote, which we wish to spell out. Number one, because our commitment to the protection of children is universal, we We believe that a mobilizing response requires that suffering of all children affected by conflict, for the suffering to receive the same attention, the same degree of empathy and the same collective determination, regardless of where it might take place. Second, we believe that questions related to children need to be dealt with through a strictly humanitarian framework, separated from any dynamic of confrontation in order to preserve the impartiality and effectiveness and efficiency of international action. Third, we believe firmly that only a constructive commitment with all stakeholders buttressed by international humanitarian mechanisms, only this will result in progress. And lastly, our abstention does not reflect any indifference whatsoever. This is a reflection of our desire to promote international coherent, impartial action guided purely by the primary interest of the child. Thank you.

I thank Senegal. I now give the floor to Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, Sierra Leone reaffirms its principal position on the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Sierra Leone is a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on Children and Armed Conflict, and our actions remain guided by our obligation in these instruments. We commend the efforts of Ukraine in this resolution. Sierra Leone abstained in the vote, noting that the Security Council has prioritized and remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in this conflict, in line with Security Council Resolution 2774/2025. Peace remains the greatest protection for children, and we urge the parties in this conflict to engage in good faith negotiations towards the genuine advancement of peace and the protection of civilians, including children, in Ukraine. Sierra Leone further underscores that the parties to the conflict continue to bear binding obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law to respect and protect children, to prevent their unlawful deportation or transfer, and to facilitate their safe return and family reunification. These obligations remain fully applicable notwithstanding the continuation of hostilities, and we call on all parties to comply with them in good faith. We also note that a competent international court is seized of matters relating to the reported unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children and is addressing questions of individual criminal responsibility for such conduct in accordance with its mandate and the applicable international law. The judicial track constitutes an important complement to diplomatic, humanitarian, and accountability efforts aimed at ensuring that serious violations against children do not go unaddressed. As an elected member of the Security Council, Sierra Leone has consistently and constructively engaged in the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. and we remain committed to supporting all efforts that advance the protection and welfare of children wherever violations occur. In the third committee of the General Assembly, Sierra Leone will continue to advocate for the preservation of the rights and welfare of children in every context. We welcome the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other relevant organization and state institutions involved in tracing, family reunification, and verification processes. We call for sustained support to these actors to ensure that all separated or unlawfully transferred children are urgently and safely reunited with their families. We urge all parties to cooperate fully and without delay. We reiterate our call for the immediate return of all Ukrainian children to their families and communities. Sierra Leone therefore notes that the plight of affected children is being addressed through complementarity, humanitarian, diplomatic and judicial avenues. However, these efforts cannot substitute for the primary responsibility of the parties themselves to comply with their continuing legal obligations and to bring an end to the suffering caused by this conflict. In closing, Serlyon emphasizes the need for comprehensive assistance to return children, including access to health care, psychosocial support, education, and measures that facilitate integration and return to normal life. At the same time, we reaffirm that the surest guarantee for the protection of children in Ukraine is an end to hostilities. Accordingly, Sierra Leone calls on the parties to continue and intensify negotiations in good faith with a view to achieving a cessation of this brutal conflict, which has untold and unacceptable consequences for the children of Ukraine. I thank you.

I thank Sierra Leone. I now give the floor to Brazil.

Thank you, Madam President. Brazil remains deeply concerned with the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Ukraine. We regret the loss of so many lives, the suffering imposed on the civilian population, and the dramatic situation of children affected by the hostilities. We reiterate once again our firm support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Brazil recognizes the extreme gravity and urgency of the matter of the repatriation of children deported or transferred in the context of the conflict and reaffirms that every child has the right to live in safety, protected from forced displacement and illegal separations from their family. We express our appreciation for the humanitarian mediation initiatives conducted by Qatar, the Holy See, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which play a crucial role in facilitating practical solutions and creating trust channels between the parties. It is precisely for this reason that Brazil decided to abstain. The tone of the resolution does not contribute to fostering dialogue between the parties. We favor a strictly humanitarian approach oriented toward concrete results and the advancement of practical solutions. Brazil is a member of the Group of Friends for Peace and has reiterated in multiple occasions that violations of IHL are unacceptable and must be investigated. In this context, we call for the provision of unrestricted access to the ICRC. Brazil reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated, peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict, to the strengthening of IHL and to the unwavering defense of children's rights in situations of armed conflict. We will continue to work in a constructive and independent manner to promote measures that contribute to the protection of the civilian population and to the reduction of human suffering. I thank you.

I thank Brazil. I now give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations. However, we had the following remarks in our national capacity. The well-being and dignity of children must remain above the ties of geopolitics and conflict. The primacy of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly the principle that the best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration, and the obligation under international law to protect children affected by armed conflict ensure the care and reunification and guarantee humanitarian access are clear for all. However, while the humanitarian intent is genuine, this resolution lacks professional neutrality and balanced methodology. It treats contested claims as settled facts. Such approach is unconstructive in our collective efforts within the United Nations General Assembly resolutions. When such wording is applied here, consistency demands similar resolutions concerning all children in conflict zones worldwide, including those in Gaza. And this is why we voted no, to express our profound hope for a capable, effective, and enforceable UN resolution that brings life, relief, and protection back equally to the children of all around the world, including in Gaza, where vast numbers have perished as a consequence of Israeli genocidal military actions. We call for a mechanism that reverses destructive policies and halts practices that have ravaged the lives of children. All children, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or geography, are equal under international law and equal in moral worth. Surely, this is a global challenge, and we must address it within a broader and morally essential framework. Children in other regions who are experiencing parallel or even more severe suffering must also be considered. Those who endure displacement, trauma and systematic violations of their rights elsewhere with equal urgency, equal compassion and equal global accountability. It is imperative that resolutions of this nature also be enacted for children without politicization, without exception and without selective compassion. Thank you.

I thank the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to Cuba.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Cuba strongly opposes double standards, partiality, and selectivity in this approach, which rather than achieving peace, contributes to exacerbating differences that exist. We shouldn't be involved in confrontation on such sensitive humanitarian issues such as the situation of children in armed conflicts. Our country, in line with our unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law, has repeatedly called on all parties to protect civilians. and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. We have supported efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation, to minimise people suffering in conflict areas, in particular children. We deeply regret the loss of innocent lives in the country. However, my delegation voted against the draft resolution entitled the return of Ukrainian children because the text intentionally deviated from the real emergency and it gives a distorted version of events. The draft resolution does not contribute to dialogue or negotiation in any way, nor does it heed concerns about these important issues. Cuba, as a State party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol on Children in Armed Conflict, considers the protection of all children in any situation as a matter of the highest importance. Cuba, which is not a party to this conflict, reiterates the importance of focusing on constructive, solutions between the parties and to refrain from punitive approaches which do not foster dialogue on cooperation which should nevertheless prevail in such a context. Cuba's vote against the draft resolution therefore reflects our clear rejection of the attempt to manipulate this General Assembly for political purposes on such a sensitive issue. Speaking about sensitivities which some claim to forget. We reiterate that we have always worked for Ukrainian children. We have provided our support to thousands of Ukrainian children who who were affected previously by the Chernobyl disaster back in the nineteen eighties. And The results of this program that we initiated still stand today. Cuba reiterates its full defense and support to the territorial integrity of all states, the United Nations Charter, in all circumstances. We will always defend peace and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and we oppose the use or the threat of use of force against any state. In this context, we will continue to advocate a serious, constructive, realistic diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine in line with international law to ensure the security and sovereignty of all and regional and international peace and security. Only constructive dialogue will really help us to bring about peace and bring an effective solution to the concerns of the parties involved. Thank you.

I thank Cuba. I now give the floor to Indonesia.

Madam President, Indonesia's position on the situation in Ukraine and all conflict situations is guided by consistent principles. We support initiatives that create space for diplomacy to take hold and for hostilities to cease. The UN Charter and international law must remain the anchor of our efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in any conflict setting, as they underpin our actions to protecting civilians, especially children, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our commitment is unequivocal for the children in Ukraine, in Gaza, and in every corner of the world where conflict endures. In this regard, any draft resolution should reinforce genuine efforts to safeguard children. This responsibility should not rest on one party alone. It must be shared by all parties to the conflict. Madam President, Indonesia also further underscores the essential role of the Security Council as the main organ responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we stated in our explanation of vote before the vote during the February 2025 emergency special session, the ESS mechanism is a recourse when the Security Council is unable to fulfill its primary responsibility. The ESS must therefore be preserved as an emergency mechanism, and its use must remain truly exceptional in order to preserve the coherence, credibility, and integrity of the UN's peace and security architecture. Madam President, Indonesia decided to abstain from this resolution because we feel that durable peace is possible only when all parties to the conflict are part of the process. Despite challenges on the ground, Indonesia believes that progress is achievable whenever inclusive dialogue where all parties are involved is pursued. We wish to underline that our abstention does not diminish our concern for the children affected by this conflict, nor our support for their safe and timely return. Indonesia will continue to encourage all parties to cooperate with the UN and the ICRC to ensure that the rights and dignity of all children are upheld. Finally, Indonesia reiterates that lasting protection for children can only be achieved through a comprehensive, peaceful, and negotiated settlement of conflict. We call on all parties to redouble diplomatic efforts to end hostilities and to create the conditions necessary for sustainable peace. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank Indonesia. I now give the floor to Azerbaijan.

Madam President, after three years, the situation in and around Ukraine continues to pose a serious threat to peace and security at the regional and global levels. Of particular concern is an increased humanitarian impact as civilians, including children, bear the major burden of hostilities. Azerbaijan stands for the earliest peaceful settlement through diplomatic means in full compliance with the norms and principles of international law guiding interstate relations.

Azerbaijan.

Reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. I thank you.

I thank Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to Eritrea.

Madam President, Eritrea reiterates that the protection and well-being of all children affected by armed conflict must remain a universal and non-selective priority. Whether in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Gaza, Haiti, or elsewhere, the suffering of children demands equal attention and action from the international community. Eritrea remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of every child in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the relevant norms of international humanitarian law. Upholding those responsibilities must transcend narrow political considerations and should be guided by genuine, impartial and inclusive humanitarian concern. In the context of the war in Ukraine, we have witnessed repeated attempts to draw the General Assembly into divisive and polarizing initiatives. This trend reflects a troubling misuse of the most representative body of the United Nations, one whose purpose is to foster dialogue, consensus, and collective problem solving. Sensitive and complex matters that warrant good faith engagement and constructive political and legal approaches are instead being instrumentalized in ways that deepen divisions, undermine trust, and erode the Assembly's credibility as a platform for genuine multilateralism. Regrettably, today's resolution represents yet another instance of the divisive and politicized pattern into which the General Assembly is increasingly being drawn. The Assembly should not be placed in a position where it is asked to prejudge matters that properly require impartial investigation or determination by competent judicial bodies. The presumption of legal responsibility in the absence of due process standards is in clear contradiction to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the sovereign equality of member states and the basic norms of fairness that guide international law. Furthermore, the General Assembly is not vested with enforcement authority over the internal affairs of sovereign member states and therefore cannot mandate or compel domestic administrative, legal, or citizenship measures. Such matters fall squarely within the exclusive jurisdiction of states as affirmed in Article 27 of the United Nations Charter. Any attempt to direct or prescribe actions in those domains exceeds the Assembly's mandate and risks undermining the foundational principles of the international system. We also note that establishment mechanisms for this week's resolution and international cooperation, including mediation efforts currently underway, should be allowed to proceed without parallel political process that may complicate or undermine them. Monetary concerns must be addressed through impartial and consent-based frameworks that preserve the neutrality essential for child protection. For those outstanding reasons, and more importantly, in light of our collective obligation to uphold the Charter, principles of sovereignty, non-interference and due process, Eritrea was unable to support the resolution. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank Eritrea. We have heard the last speaker in the explanation of vote after the vote. As agreed earlier, the Assembly will now resume its debate on agenda item five. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden on behalf of the Nordic countries, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.

Madam President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and my own country, Sweden. The Nordic countries commend the leadership of Ukraine, Canada and the European Union for facilitating the adopted resolution on the return of the Ukrainian children. Colleagues, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has been marked by countless war crimes. One of the most heartbreaking is the forced transfers and deportation of Ukrainian children. Ukraine and UN agencies estimate that thousands of children have been taken away from their homes. As long as Russia continues to withhold information, the total number remains unclear. One thing is, however, perfectly clear. Each forcibly transferred or deported child is a grave injustice. Every child has a right to return to their parents, relatives and friends. Madam President, The present resolution reaffirmed fundamental elements of international humanitarian law. Forcible transfers and deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the occupying power is strictly prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and its protocols, regardless of motive. On the 15th of March 2023, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russia's deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children amounted to war crimes. The aim of Russia's actions is to erase the Ukrainian identity of the children. It is a systematic attempt to undermine Ukraine's statehood and a clear violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention prohibits unlawful removal, identity alteration and undue family separation and seeks to ensure that children affected by armed conflict receive protection and care. Madam President, Russia has openly admitted the establishment of state-run procedures where children from Ukraine are forcibly transferred to Russia and adopted into Russian families, in clear defiance of international law, senior Russian government figures have themselves adopted forcibly transferred children. In the face of such clear violations of international law, supporting this resolution was not only justified, but necessary. To abstain would have been to look the other way. Madam President, the Nordic countries encourage all efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and in full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. While Ukraine repeatedly has called for a ceasefire, Russia has responded with repeated and deliberate attacks on civilians. The Nordic countries reiterate our commitment to bringing the unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children home. We will spare no effort until these children are returned and justice has prevailed. We stand wholeheartedly behind this resolution and demand that Russia ensures the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all the forcibly transferred and abducted Ukrainian children. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Madam President, distinguished colleagues, I wish to thank the President for having convened the resumption of the emergency special session. I wish to begin by reiterating Canada's full support for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people who are continuing to courageously fight against the unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression which is being waged by the Russian Federation. The human toll of this non provoked, unprovoked war of aggression and unjustifiable war is staggering. The United Nations has confirmed that more than 14,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including more than 700 children. The Secretary General has inscribed the Russian Federation among the parties perpetrating grave violations against children in his annual report on children and armed conflict. Ukrainian children have been killed, they have been wounded, they have been forcibly transferred, they have been illegally deported, their schools and their hospitals have been destroyed. This war also wrought suffering upon Russian children, Russian children who are enduring the consequences of a conflict which they did not choose. Many of these children have lost fathers, brothers, loved ones who have been mobilized and deployed to Ukraine. These are losses which are being keenly felt throughout the Russian Federation. We cannot fully take stock of the magnitude of the consequences of this war for children because Russia refuses to provide to the United Nations the necessary access to verify cases in Ukrainian territories which it has been temporarily occupying as well as on its own territory. No child should be wounded by war. The Russian Federation is in a position can end this war today. We join the numerous member states urging the Russian Federation to accept the offer of Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and to engage constructively for a peace that fully respects the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Colleagues, Russia has exploited the chaos of its invasion to forcefully transfer thousands of Ukrainian children within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and forcibly deported others into Russia. On Ukraine's side, the scale of destruction and the lack of cooperation from Russian occupying forces have made it nearly impossible to trace these children. On Russia's side, these unlawful actions have been organized at the highest levels. Multiple UN and international organizations have corroborated these practices. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against President Putin and Russia's Children's Rights Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Canada knows from its own history something of the devastating consequences of children being taken from their own families, whether through the residential school system or forced adoptions. It is a painful part of our own history for which the Government of Canada has apologized, for which I apologized when I was Minister of Justice, and from which Canada continues to learn and to heal. Children are entitled to their identity, their language, and their culture. They are entitled to be home, with their parents and with their families and surrounded by their friends. Canada is therefore proud to stand alongside Ukraine and the delegation of the European Union today to present this draft resolution and to vote on it, and we voted in favour of it, on the return of Ukrainian children. Canada has co-chaired with Ukraine the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, a group of 45 members dedicated to supporting the prompt, safe, and unconditional return of children unlawfully transferred or deported by Russia in accordance with the best interests of the child. We thank coalition members and the many other UN member states that have engaged constructively with consultations on this concise and humanitarian-focused text, which shares that same goal. Colleagues, this text did not contradict ongoing peace negotiations. Rather, it reinforces them. The return of Ukrainian children is a concrete step that can build confidence, reduce human suffering, and create space for further diplomatic process. In June of this year, the Secretary General himself strongly urged the Russian Federation to cooperate with the UN and to facilitate the reunification of these children with their families or legal guardians as required by international law. Today, Canada thanks every member of the General Assembly who has voted in favour of this resolution, and I thank you now.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, followed by Liechtenstein and the Czech Republic.

Thank you, Madam President. Today is a moment to reflect on the plight of Ukrainian children who have become victims of Russia's illegal invasion. We all have an obligation to protect children and we must not allow Russia to use them as pawns of war. According to the Government of Ukraine, corroborated by independent mechanisms, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia or within the temporarily occupied territories. Furthermore, the UN High Commissioner's report describes widespread violations of children's rights. More than 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain under Russian occupation. forced to study Russian curriculum, and subjected to a policy of indoctrination and militarisation. This is clearly a systematic, despicable attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine's future. We must stand with Ukraine in defending its future generations. But this is not the only challenge Ukraine's children face. They are growing up in the shadow of Russian aggression, experiencing Moscow's relentless aerial bombardment. Of the nearly 53,000 verified civilian casualties from the start of the invasion, more than 3,000 have been children. 358 educational institutions have been destroyed by aerial bombardments. And just a month ago, strikes hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv. No one should spend their childhood witnessing death and destruction. The UK calls on Russia to comply with international humanitarian law, end the forcible transfer of children from occupied territory, and immediately withdraw its troops to stop this unjustifiable invasion and children's suffering. We demand the safe, immediate return of all Ukrainian children, with the UN and international community facilitating and verifying the process. Every member of this chamber has a duty to uphold peace and security. We must use every lever to pressure Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine, cease these vile deportations and return all Ukrainian children. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein.

Madam President, the children of Ukraine are paying an extraordinary price for the Russian Federation's aggression against their country. The forced deportation of children is a particularly heinous crime, and this grave violation has rightly gained significant scrutiny. Although reports on the exact numbers still vary, in the first year alone, At least 200 children were transferred within occupied territory or from Ukraine to the Russian Federation, according to figures provided by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We welcome the resolution on the return of Ukrainian children and the attention that the General Assembly is paying to this matter. However, we regret that the most important measure in response to this crime, the arrest warrants against President Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner, Lova Belova, issued by the International Criminal Court, is not explicitly referenced. These warrants represent a decisive step towards accountability and have been instrumental in bringing this crime to global attention. We reiterate the need for States parties to comply with the arrest warrants to ensure justice for the abducted Ukrainian children and their families and recall the essential conduct policy of the United Nations. In this regard, we also acknowledge that Ukraine remains fully committed to the ICC and its ongoing investigations. Let me conclude by reiterating the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the General Assembly resolution adopted in this Hall on 24 February. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Czech Republic.

Madam President, dear colleagues, let me begin by stating unequivocally that the resolution this General Assembly has adopted today is not a political matter. It is, first and foremost, a humanitarian imperative. The issue at hand is of the gravest concern, as it involves the unlawful removal of thousands of Ukrainian children, an egregious practice that strikes at the very heart of international law and humanitarian principles. Czechia strongly condemns the forced deportation of Ukrainian children from territories temporarily occupied by Russia. These acts, as confirmed and well documented by the OSC Moscow Mechanism, and the International Criminal Court constitute war crimes and may amount to crimes against humanity. By removing children from their families and communities and subjecting them to change of national identity and indoctrination, Russia seeks to undermine Ukraine's future as a sovereign nation. Above all, It inflicts profound psychological and social harm on those least able to defend themselves, the children. Such conduct is not only unlawful, but profoundly reprehensible. We therefore call upon Russia and Belarus to take immediate steps to ensure the safe return of all the children who have been transferred or deported. Since the start of the war, Czechia has advocated for international efforts to end these crimes and has supported organizations working to return deported Ukrainian children to their homes. The international community must do everything in its power to facilitate their safe return. Czechia also resolutely denounces Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. This blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity constitutes a direct affront to the principles upon which our international order rests. It undermines the very foundation of the United Nations Charter, the principles that all member states are bound to uphold. If we wish to prevent our societies from descending into a spiral of conflict and instability, such actions cannot be tolerated and international law must prevail. We acknowledge the recent Geneva peace negotiations as a meaningful step towards silencing the guns and pursuing a just and lasting peace. We expect that any sustainable peace agreement will fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter, provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees and ensure accountability for all the violations of international law. Madam President, Czechia fully supports this resolution and voted in its favour without a second's hesitation. Its central message is clear and unequivocal. Children should be returned to their homes and reunited with their parents. This is a powerful diplomatic appeal that merits our full and united support. Russia should immediately return the abducted Ukrainian children to where they belong, that is, at home among their loved ones. The resolution we have adopted today expresses the international community's clear opposition to this unlawful practice and in doing so reaffirms our collective commitment to justice and to the protection of the most vulnerable. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Czechia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Madam President. Germany has voted in favour of the resolution today. It is our firm belief that every child has the inherent right to live and grow up free from fear and violence in a familiar environment in peace and surrounded by happiness, love and understanding. These fundamental imperatives are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child the most widely ratified international human rights treaty signed by 196 countries, including, I may add, by the Russian Federation. Article 8 of the said convention is explicit. It records the obligation of state parties to respect the right of the child to preserve their identity, including nationality, name, and family relations. Yet since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine for almost four years now, we have consistently witnessed the most egregious violations of children's rights in Ukraine. The unlawful deportation, forced transfer of Ukrainian children represents a gross violation of human rights and international law acts which we utterly condemn. The inhumane practice of Russian authorities regarding children in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories are not inventions. They are well documented. The United Nations Secretary General's Child and Armed Conflict Report, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, all of them have verified the appalling scale of both the systematic abduction and the forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities. Due to Russia's persistent refusal to cooperate with the tracing mechanism of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the precise number of those children that have fallen victim to Russia's unlawful abductions remain uncertain. Cautious estimates suggest thousands, possibly even 10,000s of Ukrainian children. Madam President, the suffering caused by Russia's actions among children in Ukraine, among their parents and families, constitutes a grave humanitarian emergency. This can and should not leave us indifferent. As General Assembly, it is our shared obligation to end the suffering of these children. This is a humanitarian imperative that every country should acknowledge and act upon. It is also, I may add, our shared responsibility as parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. For these reasons, Germany has supported this resolution, co-sponsored it and voted in favor. Supporting this resolution, which has a clearly humanitarian character, also sends a strong signal of support to ongoing endeavors to end the war in Ukraine, including a solution to its humanitarian dimension. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.

Thank you, Madam President. Romania shares the concerns on the fate of Ukrainian children who have been separated from their families as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The situation faced by Ukrainian children is one of the most dramatic consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. And we deplore the grave violations of international law and the international humanitarian law against Ukrainian children. The resolution just adopted, strongly supported by Romania, conveys a clear message on the situation of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully transferred or deported to Russia, but also the imperative of respecting the universal and inalienable right of every child to live in safety, to their family, including during an armed conflict and occupation, as enshrined in international law. This resolution tells thousands of tragic stories of Ukrainian children unlawfully transferred to Russia. As a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Romania will remain engaged in identifying such practical steps for the international community to help bring the forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian children home. Madam President, credible evidence has been documented by the United Nations and other international organizations on both Russia's forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children and on the challenges and obstacles for monitoring the situation of these children. The forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children represents a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as relevant Security Council resolutions on children in armed conflict. In our contest with international law, Russia must be held accountable for its unlawful policy of transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. Russia must ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and deported, and also cease such practices. We appreciate the efforts of all those who continue to diligently work to facilitate the reunification of children with their families and legal guardians. The good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General, as stated in the third operative paragraph of the resolution, will further substantiate these efforts. We continue to call on Russia to stop its unprovoked war and agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter and the principle of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. A comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine requires bringing back Ukrainian children. And this is one vital step in this endeavor. The Ukrainian children and their families are not in a position to wait, and we need to increase pressure and practical steps to address the existing situation. Thank you very much, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Thank you, Madam President. The war on Ukraine has had devastating consequences for the physical and psychosocial well-being of Ukrainian children. Slovenia is gravely concerned with the fact that for the second consecutive year, Russian armed forces and affiliated armed groups have been listed in the Secretary-General's report on children and armed conflict as parties that commit grave violations affecting children. Throughout the year, attacks on Ukrainian civilians, including children, have been increasing. Civilian infrastructure, including schools, are being targeted by Russian forces. In 2025 alone, over 340 educational facilities were attacked. The October long-range missile strike on a kindergarten in Kharkiv is a case in point. As Save the Children somberly described, since the war began, the equivalent of about 150 classrooms of children have become casualties of this war. Madam President, there are no safe havens for children. Drones and missiles are endangering them in their homes, schools, and hospitals. Millions of Ukrainian children live in constant fear, some spending hours sheltering every day. Displacement leaves girls particularly vulnerable to heightened levels of sexual and gender-based violence. Just two weeks ago, on 20th of November, we marked the World Children's Day, which commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. After almost four years of war, the implementation of this instrument represents another broken promise to the children of Ukraine. Madam President, thousands of Ukrainian children were separated from their homes and families, forcibly transferred or unlawfully deported within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and to Russia. For many, their whereabouts remain unknown and their futures uncertain. We call on Russia to ensure unconditional, immediate, and safe return of all Ukrainian children. Transfers and deportations of children represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. As the International Criminal Court is considering the matter, we call on all states to support it in this endeavor. Madam President, children will always be among the main victims of any war. The stress and trauma they have to bear can cause psychological wounds that can linger for generations. As peace for Ukraine is hopefully on the horizon, the issue of forcibly transferred or unlawfully deported children must be at the forefront of the ongoing peace efforts. There is still a chance to save the future of these children, but this war needs to end. We need a ceasefire now. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Madam President, Spain stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and we are committed to support Ukraine until there is comprehensive, fair and lasting peace in the country. Once again, we urgently call for the freeing of all illegally detained citizens and those taken by force, in particular thinking of children. Spain reiterates its call for full compliance with obligations pertaining to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We are committed to protecting children in armed conflicts. Protecting all children affected by Russia's war of aggression must remain a priority for our humanitarian work and our diplomatic efforts. We must guarantee the return of deported children to their families and communities without delay. This is a legally binding duty. An international humanitarian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child must be adhered to. The most vulnerable cannot be a target in war. We need to guarantee humanitarian aid without any hindrances. We commend the sterling work of organizations such as the ICRC. the International Red Cross and their partners to assess the situation, to safeguard the rights and well-being of children and to provide essential assistance. Spain is part of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which includes 44 countries working to coordinate efforts and to guarantee accountability. We also support immediate measures such as the Ukrainian initiative Bring Kids Back UA to identify and reintegrate children within their families in Ukraine. In conclusion, Spain calls for an intensification of diplomatic efforts to guarantee the return of children deported to their families in line with international law. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Madam President, Excellencies, dear colleagues, almost four years have passed since Russia launched its full-scale, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against its neighbor Ukraine. Four years of relentless attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Four years of human suffering, millions displaced and livelihoods shattered. and four years of consequences that have reverberated all around the globe. Today's debate is also a stark reminder that for almost four years, fundamental principles of the UN Charter have been openly violated. The obligation to settle disputes peacefully and the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. None of us stands to gain if we accept to live in a world governed by the law of the stronger rather than the rule of law. Austria therefore strongly welcomes the efforts undertaken to chart a path to a peaceful solution, including initiatives led by the United States. We hope that ongoing discussions about a preliminary peace agreement will advance and lead swiftly to a ceasefire. This must be our collective priority to create space for meaningful negotiations. But Austria is unequivocal. There can be no discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine, and no discussions about European security without the European Union at the table. This assembly has repeatedly and overwhelmingly called for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine based firmly on international law and the UN charter. These principles are not bargaining chips. They must guide any peace proposal. Austria is also convinced that any future peace arrangement will require robust support for implementation. International organizations, including the UN and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, can and should play a critical role in this regard. As the OSCE ministerial meeting convenes in Vienna later this week and the Security Council will engage with the chair in office next week, we urge all participating states to seize these opportunities. With its operational expertise and longstanding flexibility, and as the only inclusive security organization in Europe, the OSCE is well placed to contribute meaningfully to the next phase in Ukraine. As before, Austria stands ready to engage on substance and as a venue for dialogue should this be useful to the parties. Excellencies, colleagues, on the resolution entitled Return of Ukrainian Children, Austria wishes to emphasize that we will continue to support efforts to ensure the return of Ukrainian children, including through our good offices, which have already produced tangible results. This is in line with Austria's longstanding support of the children and armed conflict agenda and as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Madam President, Excellencies, the protection of children in armed conflict is not merely a legal obligation. It is a moral imperative rooted in international humanitarian law, human rights law, and our shared humanity. Every child has the right to identity, family, unity, safety, and the opportunity to grow in peace. Excellencies, Timor-Leste joins the international community in calling for the immediate, safe, and unconditional repatriations of all Ukrainian children separated from their families as a result of the ongoing war. Some reports show that since the military special operation in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian children have been transferred to Russia, and we fully understand this situation. We therefore urge all relevant actors to prioritize robust tracing mechanisms, family reunifications, and comprehensive psychosocial support for these children who have under profound trauma. Madam President, looking ahead, Timor-Leste urges the international community to strengthen conflict prevention through preventive diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and addressing of structural drivers of violence, such as inequality and resources dispute. We call for enhancing support to the UN's monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations against children, in line with Security Council resolutions to ensure early warning, better documentations, and a stronger accountability. We also encourage all states to fully implement the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict by raising minimum recruitment ages and enforcing absolute prohibitions on child soldiering. To safeguard family unity, countries must adopt stronger cross-border tracing protocols and legal safeguards against conflict-related child trafficking and recommendations consistently underscored by UNICEF and UN experts. In the same time, we must put children in the center of sustainable peacebuilding Investment in education, health care, nutrition, and social protection is essential to building resilient communities. Prioritizing schools over battlefield and clinics over weapons align with UNICEF's Paris Principles and the EU guidelines on children and armed conflict. This investment not only protects children, but also helps build peaceful, prosperous societies. excellencies guided by our own experience and our unwavering commitment to child protection Timor-Leste voted in favor of these resolutions we consider it a necessary step towards justice the preservation of children's rights and durable peace Madam President to conclude Timor-Leste stands ready to work closely with all partners, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to advance the welfare and dignity of every child affected by war. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Madam President, children in Ukraine have experienced a year of horror. Millions of children are going to sleep cold and scared and waking up hoping for an end to this brutal war. Children, many children have been killed and injured, and countless others have lost parents and siblings, their homes, schools and playgrounds. No child should ever have to bear that kind of suffering. These were the words of UNICEF director Catherine Russell in 2023. Nearly four years have elapsed since Russia's large scale invasion. And yet this description remains the brutal reality for children across Ukraine. The attacks, which include indiscriminate attacks carried out by Russia in violation of international humanitarian law, are having severe repercussions for civilians as they prepare to face the winter. This devastating reality is compounded by the fact that thousands of children have been separated from their parents or guardians. either by being deported to the territory of the Russian Federation or by being forcibly transferred within temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. Let us be clear, the forced transfer or deportation of civilians is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Furthermore, separating children from their parents or those closest to them is not in the best interest of the child. This is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a convention that has been ratified nearly universally. On the contrary, children must be granted special protection and assistance as required under international law. The adoption of today's resolution, which Switzerland fully supports, sends an important message. This practice must stop immediately. Switzerland calls upon the Russian Federation to comply with its obligations under international law without delay and to ensure the immediate return of the children to their parents, guardians, or other caregivers. We recall that the forced transfer and deportation of children as a venue population constitutes war crimes. In this regard, we take note of the arrest warrants issued by the ICC and we reiterate our full support for the Court. The consequences of war should never weigh on the shoulders of a child. This is why Switzerland is actively committed to protecting children affected by armed conflicts. We shall persevere in our efforts to locate, identify, and return missing persons. including children, in cooperation with the ICRC and its central tracing agency, while supporting the Ukrainian authorities in their efforts. Madam President, the only way to ensure the full protection of children is for this war to end. Switzerland remains firmly committed to a comprehensive, lasting and just peace for Ukraine based upon respect for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Madam President. My delegation expresses deep concern that this meeting has been convened on the basis of politically motivated allegations. The spreading unfounded and unverifiable accusations for specific political purposes is nothing but a conspiracy. My delegation cannot but regret that plenary meeting of General Assembly is being misused as a platform to advance political plot of a certain member states, thereby turning it into arena of political confrontation and contention. The allegation made by Ukrainian authority regarding the abductions of the Ukrainian children and their deportation to Russia are nothing more than politically driven propaganda. grossly distorting objective fact. Since the beginning of the special military operation, Ukrainian authorities have continuously spread allegation that Russian Federation have abducted large number of Ukrainian children. Yet they have never released complete list of these allegedly missing minor and even the figures they cite have changed from case to case. Such claims announced are and one-sided manner at the convenience of the Ukrainian authorities. The rise of serious question about their credibility, consistency, and underlying political intention. It is a recognized fact that armed conflict inevitably give rise to humanitarian situation, such as displacement and tragic separation of the families. While deeply regrettable, these situations are unfortunately not uncommon in wartime. Therefore, responsibility of the humanitarian issue arising in this context cannot be attributed to one party alone. Ukrainian authorities brought about current tragic situation by themselves and must be held accountable for it. Russian Federation has taken serious measures to protect children affected by conflict. Commissioner for Children's Rights of the Russian Federation have actively worked in cooperation with international organization to reunite separated family. Thus, positive result were made. International community must address all issues on the basis of objective fact. Unfounded political instigation and criticism only fuel hostility, deepen distrust, and prolong suffering. In this regard, we acknowledge the constructive efforts made by the Russian Federation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other relevant bodies in protecting children and advancing family reunification. Finally, my delegation reiterates the urgent need to stop immediately all forms of political propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the Russian Federation and spreading rumors implicating it in war crimes. For this reason, my delegation voted against the draft resolution submitted to this meeting. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, It is with deep sorrow that we must meet today at the 11th emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly to address a subject that should not exist in the 21st century. The barbarity and absurdity of a crime committed by the Russian Federation is beyond understanding. The ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to destroy lives, destinies, and families, kidnapping Ukrainian children, changing their identities, and tearing communities apart. Its consequences reach far beyond Ukraine's borders, threatening the stability and peace of our entire region. What is most disturbing is that aggression targets the most vulnerable ones, children, those who carry the story of the nation into the future, those who will build on the ashes of this war and will keep the truth in history. The abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, deliberate, systematic, strategic, is one of the most devastating wounds inflicted by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We must all join forces to ensure the situation -- that the situation of children of Ukraine remains our common top priority, that all unlawfully deported children are safely returned, that accountability for crimes against children is effectively ensured, and that the trauma experienced by all war-affected children is properly addressed. Mr. President -- Mrs. President, Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian children have been unlawfully taken from their homes, from orphanages, from occupied territories, torn from their parents, deported to Russia, forcibly placed or adopted in Russian families, denied their names, language, culture, and entire identity. without any right, legitimacy or necessity, but through calculated destructive policy. This systematic kidnapping and deportation of children is a grave breach of international humanitarian law, a violation of the Geneva Conventions and recognized acts of war crimes. their subsequent indoctrination, militarization, and identity changes, and aggravation of the crimes already committed. And all this should have ended yesterday and ceased to exist. In this way, it is important to emphasize the landmark judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of July 9th of this year, which held the Russian Federation held the Russian Federation in violation of the European Convention of Human Rights for unlawful deportation of children to Russia and in many cases their illegal adoption. Justice must not be delayed, not should it be denied. This meeting and this resolution are a plea for humanity, for action, for access to information, and for truth. The parents, the community, the nation, and most importantly, the children must know who they are and where they belong. They must return to their families, their roots, and their motherland, among the people who love and care about them. We owe the children their peace and their childhood. This resolution should be impactful, a real coordinated pressure on the Russian authorities to allow international monitoring to disclose the whereabouts of all transferred children and to facilitate their full and immediate return. Our abstention or insufficient efforts will cost them their names and future. We owe these children action, not tomorrow, not after the war ends, but now. Their return is not just a humanitarian task, it's a moral one, duty. It is a test for us to recall that even amidst destruction and violence, there are lines which should never get crossed. Distinguished delegates, there are no safety, no security from the consequences of the war. And the limits of our security and political unity are continuously tested by the drones which continue to invade the spaces and territories of sovereign states, including the Republic of Moldova, by the hybrid attacks which continuously evolve and become more intrusive international affairs, by children who become hostages of political themes and erroneous brief. For all this to end, we need peace. Republic of Moldova reaffirms its unwavering commitment to restoring peace in Ukraine and in Europe, a peace that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. No parent, no community, no nation should ever endure the disappearance of children. They should never be turned into tools of conflict, propaganda, or political pressure. Children are not soldiers, not symbols, or bargaining instruments in war. They should not be part of today's war, like they never were in the most barbarous and civilized times. They are weaponized, and the weaponization today only show a firm vector towards decadence and the face of the ancestors. For the children being abducted, for the parents who wait, and for the nation on hold, we must stand united, unwavering, and supportive until every child is home. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Montenegro.

Madam President, Montenegro thanks Ukraine, Canada, and the EU for their leadership, tireless efforts, and constructive negotiations that have resulted in the resolution adopted today that we co-sponsored. Montenegro remains gravely concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully separated from their families and communities since 2014. This includes children who have been forcibly transferred or deported in clear violation of the international humanitarian and human rights law, as reflected in the Rome Statute and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thousands of cases have now been verified by Ukraine and the international partners, with many more under review, confirming the scale, systematic nature, and legal gravity of these violations. Madam President, Montenegro is a responsible member of the International Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children. Coalition's work is indispensable for identifying affected children, securing their safe return, and supporting their integration. This resolution demands an immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children, calls for an end to further unlawful transfers and changes of personal status, and requests strengthened engagement of the UN system in facilitating reunification and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. Montenegro fully supports these goals. We stand firmly with Ukraine and with every child who has the right to safety, identity, family life, and a future. No political objective and no wartime argument can ever justify the removal of children from their families or their forced integration into another society. Their best interests must always guide our actions. Montenegro will continue to support all diplomatic, humanitarian and legal efforts until every child is returned home.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Montenegro, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Vice-President, Australia would like to thank Ukraine, Canada and the EU for leading on this important initiative. Australia is proud to be a co-sponsor of such a significant resolution. We are also proud to be an active member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children led by Canada and Ukraine. For nearly four years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia's illegal and immoral war of aggression. Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine's citizens and the generational toll of Russia's brutality. In line with this resolution, we deplore the practice of the forcible deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. We demand that Russia ensures the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported. Australia has been clear since day one that Russia and those enabling its illegal invasion will face consequences. Once again, Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and adhere fully to its obligations under international law. Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia's aggression. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

President, the convening of this special session falls almost two weeks after UN World Children's Day. On that day, as member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Malta.

Joined a statement that emphasised the inalienable rights of every child and called on the Russian Federation to take specific actions to provide redress for the forcible deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from Ukraine to Russia. Children in conflict settings around the world need international attention, including the attention of the General Assembly. And successive reports by the Secretary-General have laid bare the continued violations of children's rights and the need for accountability.

Today's event does nothing to detract from the importance of countering these developments.

President, Russia's aggression has caused deaths and injuries and lasting physical and emotional harm to children around Ukraine, including a generation of children who have become orphans.

As a result of the war.

This has been corroborated by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for.

Children and Armed Conflict, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Independent Commission of Inquiry.

Malta fully supports all efforts.

Aimed at justice and accountability for crimes against children and for efforts aimed at returning them home.

We are alarmed by the fact that thousands of Ukrainian children remain under the control of the Russian Federation and at risk of lasting physical or psychological harm and erasing of their identity.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian families continue to wait for the return of their children.

We urge Russia to respect its.

Obligations under international humanitarian law and, as a matter of priority, to allow access for independent international mechanisms. We also call on Russia to immediately provide comprehensive information on all Ukrainian children under its control.

Accountability for all individuals and institutions involved in unlawful deportations remains key.

Mr. President, we believe that the resolution adopted by the General Assembly earlier today, which Malta strongly supported and co sponsored, is entirely in line with all efforts.

Aimed at resolving the war and consistent with the principles of international law.

Ultimately, we believe that the resolution.

Addressed one of the most critical impacts of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and that urgent action is needed.

To preserve the possibility that all Ukrainian children can be safely reunited with their families unconditionally and with immediate effect.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malta and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.

Madam President, on the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has become again abundantly clear that, as in every war, it is the vulnerable groups that mostly bear the brunt of aggression. The children of Ukraine have suffered unimaginable horrors in the course of these four years. More than 3,000 of them have been killed or injured.

Their hopes and dreams for the future shattered.

And thousands more were otherwise gravely affected, transferred and deported, forced to abandon the comfort of their previous peaceful life for a new environment away from their homes, families, and roots. A number of credible international bodies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the OSCE through its Moscow mechanism have confirmed the facts referenced in this resolution, namely the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children. The transfer of children has been admitted even by Russian authorities. Last year's annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict has verified the abduction of Ukrainian children. This year's annual report documents the return of only a minor fraction of them to Ukraine, while it registers Ukraine as an armed conflict, recording a 105% increase of verified violations, among the sharpest on a global scale. It is most worrisome that the exact numbers, whereabouts, and legal status of children subjected to removal of any kind by the aggressor remain uncertain, mainly due to the refusal of Russian authorities to cooperate. Relevant organizations such as the ICRC, UNICEF, and the UNHCR have been unable to gather pertinent information and access to these children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia itself. Without Russia's cooperation, the true magnitude of the problem is nearly impossible to assess. There is no justification for such actions, be it on the grounds of humanitarian evacuations or otherwise. Separating children from their families and deporting them away from their country contravenes basic principles of conventional and customary international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. We condemn these actions and we call on Russia to comply with its obligations under international law to ensure the return of these children to their former status and to respect relevant international judicial procedures. Madam President, as we move closer to what we hope to be the beginning of a peace process initiated by the United States, It is of paramount importance to remember, include, and protect the missing children in any peace settlement by returning them to their families, place of origin, and true identities. Greece, as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, is ready to play its part in this regard. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Greece. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Madam President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is honored to take the floor as co-sponsor of this important resolution addressing the return of Ukrainian children. Just weeks after we marked the International Day for the Child this past November, A day meant to reaffirm our universal commitment to protect every child's rights and dignity, we are reminded that these commitments carry little meaning unless they translate into concrete action. I would like to highlight three points. First, respect for international law. Two, the need for comprehensive, just and lasting peace. And three, a cessation of weaponization of children. First, this resolution speaks fundamentally to the core principles of the UN Charter and protection of international law. Deportation of children is in clear violation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Geneva Convention and runs counter to the very values on which this organization was built. Today, the international community has an opportunity and responsibility to take stand against such reprehensible practices and to prevent other states from using the forced transfer of children as a tactic of war now and in the future. Numerous credible and independent sources have documented Russia's deportation and forcible transfer campaign as well as russification attempts, including in the UNSG Children and Armed Conflict report, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights and the OSCE. Russia itself even acknowledged these actions, albeit under the false label of evacuation. Second, comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The majority of countries present here today want comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine. And the Kingdom of the Netherlands is grateful for the efforts made toward reaching that common goal. But we cannot wait for a deal to materialize while children remain separated from their loved ones and far from the places they call home. Immediate steps are necessary. This resolution represents a meaningful step towards restoring hope and safeguarding their future. Children may never be weaponized as pawns of war. And that is my third and final point. The resolution is clear and simple, and we fully stand for what it calls for. Russia must return all Ukrainian children and immediately cease their weaponization. We request the UN Secretary General to exercise his good offices to facilitate the children's return and ensure access for international monitoring and humanitarian organizations. Let this resolution mark the beginning of greater transparency, improved monitoring access, stronger cooperation, and above all, faster reunification of children with their families. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

Madam President, Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. Today's plenary meeting is an opportunity to reiterate Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace, a peace firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, the same principles that are core tenets of the UN Charter. Forcible transfer or deportation of civilians, including children, are abhorrent violations of international law. They are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and constitute war crimes. It is crucial to bring the humanitarian dimension of the war at the center of our efforts. Thousands of children and parents are experiencing unimaginable suffering. In a country devastated by the horror of the Russian aggression, they are enduring the greatest pain of all, being separated from their loved ones. It's an immense sorrow for which we express our deepest solidarity. We cannot accept to live in a world where children are kidnapped, separated from their families, and exposed to systematic efforts to erase their identity, including through re-education camps, forced adoption and conscription. Russia must ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return home of all Ukrainian children. We are strongly committed to this common goal. Italy is part of the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and firmly supports its initiatives. We also fully support efforts by the Holy See and all actors that are actively contributing to this endeavor. Ensuring the return of Ukrainian children and supporting their subsequent rehabilitation and reintegration is a matter of utmost priority. Today, we pay tribute to the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people who have been steadfastly defending their independence, freedom, and national identity for almost four years. There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. We fully support ongoing efforts led by the United States to advance negotiations for peace. Italy will continue to provide its contribution to this aim and stresses the importance of ensuring robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Today, we reiterate that there cannot be a lasting peace without justice. and there is no justice if Ukrainian children do not go back home. That is why Italy has co-sponsored the draft resolution and voted yes. We thank the co-facilitators, Ukraine, the European Union and Canada, and all the Member States who have supported it. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, it's an honor to take the floor on this matter and being a co-sponsor of the draft resolution and voting in favor of it. At this critical moment for Ukraine, the fate of thousands of children torn from their homes demands our utmost attention. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation represent one of the most shocking and painful consequences. of its ongoing war of aggression. This practice is not only a grave violation of international law, but a profound assault on the most fundamental rights of the child. Thousands of children have been separated from their families, deprived of their identity, denied access to their native language and culture, and subjected to indoctrination. Such actions amount to an attempt to erase their very sense of belonging and nationhood. The international community cannot and must not remain indifferent. The return of these children is a moral imperative, a humanitarian priority, and an essential condition for achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Peace cannot be genuine or complete while children remain unlawfully displaced. while families remain torn apart and justice continues to be denied. Madam President, Georgia, having itself endured the trauma of Russia's illegal occupation and forced displacement, stands in full solidarity with Ukraine. Thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees from Georgia, including children, continue to be deprived of their right to return to their homes in safety and dignity. This shared experience strengthens our empathy and reinforces our resolve to stand with Ukraine, particularly in supporting its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. We strongly support the objective of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and its comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring their safe return, reintegration, and rehabilitation. The best interest of the children, the most vulnerable victims of the war, must remain at the center of all our collective actions. Madam President, in conclusion, let me underline that Georgia reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and for the immediate and safe return of all Ukrainian children to their families and homes. Only by restoring their childhood and dignity can we hope to lay the foundation for lasting peace and justice in Ukraine.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia, and I now give the floor to France, who will be followed by Portugal, then Belgium.

Madam President, ambassadors, dear colleagues, for nearly four years now, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have been facing a brutal war of aggression. This war has claimed thousands of civilian casualties, civilians deliberately being targeted by the Russian Federation in its attempt to break the resistance of the Ukrainian people. Russia, without hesitation, has been targeting those who are most vulnerable, children. Systematic violations of children's rights have been documented countless times by Nations, including murders, mutilations, sexual violence, attacks targeting schools and hospitals, deportations and forced recruitment. The Assembly has once again gathered today during the emergency special session because it must respond to these crimes. The resolution which was adopted today, which we support, reflects our collective commitment to the defense of those who are most vulnerable. Today, the international community condemns the crimes perpetrated by the Russian Federation against Ukrainian children, victims of violence, ripped away from their families and forcibly brought to foreign country, stripped of their identity and the hope of seeing their family, their country once again. France supports the exercise of good offices by the Secretary General concerning the return of Ukrainian children as set out in the resolution. We wish to recall the fact that there will be no lasting peace without justice. France strongly condemns the crimes perpetrated against Ukrainian children, all civilians in Ukraine. Perpetrators of these large-scale violations of IHL must be held accountable. France extends its full support for the International Mechanism Against Impunity. We reiterate our support for the ICC, the monitoring mechanism for grave violations perpetrated against children in armed conflict, which was established by Secretary-General, as well as Ukrainian legal bodies. It is high time for the Russian Federation to hear the clear message of the international community. Eight times already since the 24th of February 2022, the General Assembly condemned the aggression and we extend, we voiced our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We called for a just and lasting peace in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. It is time for the establishment of a ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted in principle for a number of months now, which Russia continues to reject. It is time for the Russian Federation to cease its delaying tactics, to engage in good faith in negotiations. For a while, it states that it is seeking peace, the Russian Federation continues to engage in carrying out deadly strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. We and our European partners are committed to a just and lasting peace. and to bring home those who have been deported. We will continue to mobilize alongside Ukraine to uphold the rights of children in international bodies, particularly the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which is led by Canada. Russia continues to flout international law. targeting the millions of children in the territory it has occupied. It is stripping children from the opportunity to enjoy childhood. Russia must return Ukrainian children to Ukraine. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Madam President, Vice Minister Betser, Excellencies, protecting children in armed conflicts must be a priority everywhere in the world. This should be an objective that unites us at this Assembly. It is surely a priority for our peoples. and a humanity imperative besides being an obligation codified by international law. Forced deportation and unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children documented by international entities, notably the OHCHR and the SG's CAC report, are a grave breach of international law and a crime against humanity. As a firm supporter from its outset of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, Portugal strongly supports the adoption of the resolution presented today, hoping that it may illustrate the resolute determination of this Assembly in asking for these children to be reunited with their families in their home country. The international community bears a collective responsibility to restore the kidnapped children to their rightful place within their communities. And this commitment extends beyond immediate return efforts to encompass long-term support for healing, education, and rebuilding the bonds severed by forced separation. This is why Portugal supported the Olina Zelenska Foundation Superhero Schools for the creation of two educational centers in hospitals to provide support for hospitalized children that opened their doors last summer. The resumption of the daily education for all Ukrainian children must be a priority in this recovery process for the future of Ukraine, because the future of Ukraine starts in its schools. Meanwhile, over 5,600 Ukrainian children and young people were enrolled in Portuguese schools last year, along with over 450 Ukrainian students that pursue their education at Portuguese universities. Portugal will maintain sustained diplomatic and humanitarian engagement until all forcibly transferred minors are reunited with their families in their homes. And yet again, we call for a ceasefire. that allows for peace negotiations in respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity towards a just and lasting peace, which is ultimately the most effective way of ensuring the protection and roots of Ukrainian children. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium followed by the observer state of the Holy See and then the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Madam President, the issue of children in armed conflicts and the impact of armed conflicts on children is a priority for Belgium. This has been borne out through our support for children in Ukraine, but also in Gaza and the DRC. Grave violations of children's rights are unfortunately increasing, including in Ukraine, as was made clear in the Secretary-General's latest report on the subject. In September of this year, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Pruvost, recalled during the high-level week that the suffering of Palestinian children was a result of choice, of action and inaction. The situation of Ukrainian children is no different. Dear colleagues, children's suffering, which we are talking about today, is not something that happens by chance. It is a result of a choice, as a result of action and unfortunately inaction. It will also be influenced by the choices that have been mentioned today. There is no doubt that the main choice that determines the fate of these children is determined by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We cannot speak about the plight of these children without addressing the main cause. Madam President, Belgium's commitment to support children in various conflict situations is carried out on the basis of the same beliefs. It is these beliefs that lead us to call for, with our European partners, for a ceasefire and for a comprehensive, fair and lasting peace in Ukraine, peace based on the Charter and on the principles enshrined therein. In February this year, during the adoption of a resolution to achieve this goal, a majority of members of the GA highlighted the following points, their grave concern about the deep seated effects of the war on people's mental health, in particular children's mental health and the trauma that they will suffer in the future. the repercussions that the aggression has on women, children, refugees and displaced persons, their support for a complete exchange of prisoners of war, the freeing of all illegally detained people and the return of all deported persons, including children. And finally, the need for all parties of the conflict to adhere to international law, notably IHL, and to protect civilians at all times, particularly women and children. The resolution that we have been dealing with today specifically meets these points and addresses them in the spirit of the charter and the fourth Geneva Convention. We therefore thank delegations for supporting today's resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium and I now give the floor to the observer of the observer state of the Holy See.

Thank you, Madam President. My delegation welcomes the reconvening of the 11th emergency special session of the General Assembly and in this context the Holy See wishes to emphasize once again that nothing is lost with peace. Everything can be lost with war. The protracted war in Ukraine, 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 scarred by conflicts. The Holy See renews its call for the end of this 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 ramifications of the war are profoundly deleterious, particularly from a humanitarian standpoint, especially for the most fragile members of society. In this regard, the Holy See, also through the endeavors of the special envoy of the Holy Father for humanitarian issues in Ukraine, His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, will continue its efforts for the return of children to their families and the release of prisoners of war. It encourages both sides of the conflict and 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. As Pope Leo says, war provokes casualties and injuries, children among them, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, leaving families homeless as the cold weather sets in. We must not become accustomed to war and destruction. For this reason, the Holy See renews its appeal for an immediate ceasefire which will pave the way for sincere and courageous dialogue. Madam President, the Holy See calls upon all nations gathered here to reject passivity and provide tangible support for any initiative that could lead to genuine negotiations and lasting peace. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the observer of the observer state of the Holy See, and I now give the floor to the observer of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Madam President, Excellencies, International IDEA would like to thank the General Assembly for convening this new emergency special session on Ukraine. and commends the renewed focus on the safe and full return of children deported or displaced by the war as part of the broader commitments under UN General Assembly Resolution ES11/7, which calls for the return of all civilians forcibly transferred or deported. We call on all parties to guarantee safe, voluntary return under conditions consistent with international law. and to ensure adequate humanitarian, psychological, social, and legal support for returnees, especially for children. This is an essential and urgent humanitarian step that international community must support at the same time as we pursue the full restoration of Ukraine's democratic sovereignty. As we have stated in prior sessions, peace in Ukraine must be rooted in justice, sovereignty and international law, not imposed through ultimatums or political expediency. The war launched against Ukraine by the Russian Federation remains a blatant violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and the fundamental right of its people, including the children, to self-determination. The children returning to Ukraine deserve a country fully, irreversibly theirs. a sovereign and democratic Ukraine where the will of the people freely expressed determines their future. Democracy, not coercion, not occupation, is the only viable foundation for lasting peace. Democracy is thus not a secondary concern. Safeguarding and restoring democratic institutions and processes is central to the reconstruction and moral repair of the country. A just peace in Ukraine must begin with three interlinked and non-negotiable pillars. First, the unconditional withdrawal of all occupying forces and the restoration of full control of the territory to the Ukrainian people. Second, accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and mass deportations, including the forced transfer of children, to uphold justice and deter future aggression. And third, robust support for democratic renewal, including the rebuilding of electoral infrastructure, restoring independent media, protecting civic space, and enabling displaced persons to meaningfully reengage in political and community life. Democracy must be at the center of reconstruction and healing. The return of the children is a moral imperative and a test of our humanity. Yet, it must not be treated as a standalone victory or a final goal. Without restoring sovereignty, democracy, and human rights, the return will be hollow, a temporary reprieve rather than a durable resolution. Excellencies, this assembly has demonstrated before that when democracy, sovereignty, and human rights are under assault, The international community must respond not only with words, but with enduring solidarity and tangible support. The coming weeks and months present a defining moment for the displaced children, for Ukraine, for the credibility of this organization, and for the universal values it embodies. Let us ensure that the return of the children to Ukraine becomes the first milestone in a broader path toward justice, sovereignty, democracy, and a lasting peace. Thank you very much.

I thank the observer of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. In accordance with the terms of paragraph four of the resolution just adopted, the eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly is temporarily adjourned. Before adjourning the meeting, I would like to thank the interpreters for staying past 6 p.m. to allow the Assembly to complete its work, and I would also like to thank you. The meeting is adjourned.