Thank you, Mr President.
High Commissioner, your update lays bare the toll this war has taken, bringing death, injury and lasting family separation to innocent children of Ukraine.
It is almost impossible to read your report or listen to your update without shock or dismay: toddlers sexually assaulted, other children summarily executed by Russian troops. Over 600 dead. Thousands forcibly separated and deported to Russia.
Children in occupied territories are also particularly vulnerable. Multiple reports lay bare the systematic indoctrination and militarisation of children in these areas. Of the 20,000 children reported to have been deported to Russia, only a handful have returned. Forced passportisation and punishment for speaking Ukrainian and studying the Ukrainian school syllabus are widely documented. A callous Russian attempt to erode Ukraine’s future by trying to reshape the identities of its youngest citizens, and wipe out Ukrainian culture, language and identity.
The Russian state must be held fully accountable for its actions. Ukrainian children are entitled to a childhood in which their rights are safeguarded, and a future which is free from war.
High Commissioner, your report highlights the worsening mental health of Ukraine’s children.
What more can we do to support Ukraine with expertise from countries who have experienced similar trauma for children and young people in past conflicts?
