Budrys on Ukrainian children abducted by Russia: The international community must step up its efforts to ensure that the abducted children could return to their[...]

On 19 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with Najat Maalla M'jid, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative on Violence against Children.

The meeting focused on child rights protection issues, with particular attention given to Russia's war against Ukraine and its devastating consequences for Ukrainian children.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed that the deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are not only violations of international law and war crimes, but also forms of violence against children.

"Freeing Ukrainian children from unlawful deportation is the top priority. Every child returned is a sign of hope, but the current pace is too slow. The international community must make even greater efforts to ensure that all abducted children can return to their families," said Minister Budrys.

According to the Minister, the introduction of the Russian curriculum, the dissemination of military narratives, and the involvement of children in "military-patriotic" education activities pose a serious threat to children's identity and future. Lithuania urges the UN to strengthen accountability for these crimes and ensure that children's rights are protected by all possible means.

The mandate of the UN Special Representative is dedicated to combating all forms of violence against children on a global scale. The Minister expressed Lithuania's firm commitment to defending children's rights and supporting the UN's efforts to combat all forms of violence against children.