The abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children – deliberate, systematic, strategic - is one of the most devastating wounds inflicted by Russia’s war of aggression. This was the key message of Thordis Gylfadottir, the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the situation of children of Ukraine at a high-level meeting at the Swedish Parliament on the topic “Abducted Ukrainian children: A Call for Collective Action” that took place on 24 November 2025.
She highlighted the European Court of Human Rights’ landmark judgment of 9 July this year, which held Russia responsible for the unlawful deportation of children to Russia and their illegal adoption there. She also emphasised that the Register of Damage for Ukraine has recently opened a dedicated claims category for the forcible transfer or deportation of children, and referred to the work carried out under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine. Pointing out the efforts of the Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine, the Special Envoy explained that “healing through trauma-informed care, is something the Consultation Group focuses on – by supporting front line professionals working with children who have experienced deep trauma.”
“The children of Ukraine did not choose this war. They did not choose to have their identities rewritten or their futures stolen. But we can choose - today - to stand with them”, stated Thordis Gylfadottir. “We need to rebuild these children’s future.”
The discussion was a side event of the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform.
