Urgent call to international action for the rights of Ukrainian children.

In a context of growing concern over human rights violations amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has made an urgent call to the international community to demand the immediate release of Ukrainian civilians and children who have been forcibly transferred to Russian territory. During an international conference held in Montreal, Joly emphasized the need to establish a global commitment to ensure the safe return of these minors to their families. Joly's presentation not only underscores the suffering of Ukrainian children but also raises serious questions about Russia's actions since the beginning of the invasion in 2022. Human rights organizations have estimated that tens of thousands of children have been taken to Russia, an act that Joly deems unacceptable, as it contravenes existing international norms. In her statements, the minister highlighted the importance of having countries willing to act as mediators in this process. One of the most alarming aspects that emerged during the conference was the denunciation from a coalition of 61 non-governmental organizations. These entities have alerted to Russia's systematic attempt to eradicate the Ukrainian identity of the minors in its custody. According to their reports, Moscow currently controls approximately 1.5 million children in the occupied areas of Ukraine, forcing them to adapt to a culture and environment that is foreign to them. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also joined in condemning the situation, expressing concern over Russia's disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law. In his remarks, Eide emphasized that while Ukraine allows international observers access to its prisoners of war, Russia continues to limit this fundamental right. "That is a significant violation in itself," he stated, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The Kremlin's rhetoric, which insists on labeling the invasion as a "special military operation," was criticized by Eide, who highlighted Russia's failure to comply with international norms and obligations under the Geneva Convention. In a direct tone, the Norwegian minister reaffirmed that the current situation is not only a violation of human rights but also a justification for the war itself. The urgency for an international response is evident, especially considering that the welfare of thousands of minors is at stake. In this regard, the conference in Montreal aims to establish a peace plan that not only contemplates the return of children but also the release of detained Ukrainian civilians and the reintegration of those forced to flee their country. However, the situation in Ukraine remains critical, as evidenced by the recent Russian bombing in the city of Kharkiv, which resulted in the death of an 11-year-old child after suffering severe injuries. This attack, carried out with a powerful guided aerial bomb, has left a devastating toll and heightened the urgency for a ceasefire, as well as effective humanitarian action. The governor of Kharkiv, Oleg Sinegubov, has indicated that the destruction is significant and that rescue teams are still searching for possible victims among the rubble. Such incidents underscore the persistent violence in the region and the need for a multilateral approach to address both human rights violations and the humanitarian crises that have arisen as a result of the conflict. The international community, partly represented by the conference in Montreal, faces the challenge of finding effective solutions. The statements from Joly and Eide not only reflect the outrage of their respective countries but also seek to inspire a sense of urgency in other governments to join the fight for justice and the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable in the context of this conflict. The legacy of the conference aims to be a turning point in international diplomacy related to Ukraine. As the world watches and awaits, it is clear that the situation of Ukrainian children must become a priority on the global political agenda, where peace and justice walk hand in hand with humanitarian commitment.