Moldova supports international efforts to return Ukrainian children

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi reaffirmed the Republic of Moldova’s support for international efforts to ensure the safe return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, as well as the release of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war. The statements were made in Toronto during the second Ministerial Conference dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war.

The meeting, Pathways to Peace, was organized by Canada together with Ukraine and Norway and brought together more than 80 delegations led by foreign ministers and representatives of international organizations.

In his speech, Mihai Popșoi expressed the Republic of Moldova’s full solidarity with the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed the country’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the achievement of a just and lasting peace.

The Moldovan foreign minister called for stronger international cooperation to identify and safely return home Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred, as well as to secure the release of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war.


“Behind every case is a life affected by war. There is no justification for torture, degrading treatment, unlawful detention or forcible transfer. The return of every child home means a family reunited and a future that can be rebuilt, while the release of every illegally detained civilian means the restoration of freedom, dignity and hope,” Mihai Popșoi said.


The minister also emphasized the need to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for international crimes and serious human rights violations committed in the context of the war in Ukraine.

In this context, the official highlighted the contribution of the Republic of Moldova, during its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, to strengthening accountability mechanisms. The actions mentioned included the adoption in Chișinău of the Resolution establishing the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.


“Accountability means ensuring justice for the crimes committed, but also working together to build a safer future,” the minister said.


At the end of the conference, Mihai Popșoi reiterated that the Republic of Moldova will continue to support Ukraine both bilaterally and within multilateral forums. At the same time, the country will support international efforts to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children, the release of detained persons and the protection of their rights.