Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
48. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Ireland is taking to support the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland condemns the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia, which may amount to a war crime, and we call for the return of these children to their families and communities.
On 11 May, I participated in a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels. The Coalition was established by Ukraine and Canada in February 2024 and comprises 47 countries. The Coalition’s work has seen more than 1,800 children brought home.
During my recent visit to Ukraine I announced an additional €40 million in humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to be provided this year. This includes €3 million to support UNICEF’s broader humanitarian response to the crisis, including continued support to the short term reintegration needs of returned children delivered by UNICEF within the framework of the “Bring Kids Back” Reintegration Framework.
Ireland’s support also includes funding of €2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Central Tracing Agency Bureau (CTA-B) for the International Armed Conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which is seeking to clarify the fate of the persons registered with the ICRC as missing in this conflict.
Ireland also provided €1 million in funding to support UNICEF’s operations in Moldova in 2026, which includes work to progress Moldova’s Better Care Reform to improve the quality of child protection systems there to the benefit of both Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan children.
These supports align with the International Coalition’s aim of investing in the long-term reintegration and recovery of returned children. They are complemented by our ongoing work in supporting the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which aims to ensure accountability for Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In addition, the decision taken on 11 May by the Council of the European Union to sanction 16 individuals and 7 entities who are involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children is a meaningful action to increase pressure on those involved in such morally repugnant activities.
Ireland will continue to work as part of the Coalition to secure the safe return of every child where that is in their best interest, and to ensure accountability.
