Canada, Ukraine Unite to Bring Home Thousands of Abducted Ukrainian Children

Canada is stepping up its efforts to address one of the most heartbreaking consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war, co-hosting a major international conference this month aimed at bringing home thousands of Ukrainian children and civilians unlawfully held by Russia. Set for September 28-29 in Toronto, the 'Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War' will gather global leaders to push for the return and reintegration of those forcibly taken. This crucial gathering builds on previous commitments like the 2024 Ministerial Conference and the Montreal Pledge, as international concern grows over Russia's systematic unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, which the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry declared war crimes and crimes against humanity in March 2026. Shockingly, Ukrainian authorities have documented over 20,651 cases of children possibly deported, with only 2,573 returned so far, while thousands of civilians remain unlawfully detained and Ukrainian prisoners of war are held captive. Canada, alongside Ukraine and Norway, chairs a working group dedicated to these humanitarian efforts, recently allocating funds and imposing sanctions on individuals involved in these abuses. The Toronto conference will focus on strengthening tracing mechanisms, improving information sharing, and establishing clear pathways for people to return safely to Ukraine, while also ensuring protection for those still under Russian control. Discussions will also cover providing essential rehabilitation and reintegration services for returnees. With global pressure mounting and fresh commitments from the Canada-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership, the outcome of this conference will be a critical measure of the international community's ability to turn diplomatic pledges into tangible hope for thousands of families.