Accountability for children of Ukraine affected by Russia’s war of aggression was the focus of the address of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjord Gylfadóttir, to government ministers and other participants of the International Coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, who met in Brussels on 11 May. The Council of Europe is a member of the coalition co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine.
“The kidnapping, mistreatment and indoctrination of Ukrainian children is not an unintended side product of Russia barbaric aggression against Ukraine. It is a system to undermine Ukrainian nationhood,” the Special Envoy said. “And here the children in the temporarily occupied territories cannot be forgotten.”
“I speak on behalf of the European organisation that was set up in the aftermath of World War II because of the realisation that when the violation of human dignity becomes government policy in one state, it is only a matter of time before such a departure from civilisation becomes a danger to the citizens of other states,” the Special Envoy stressed. “The people of Ukraine, not least her children, have become victims of exactly this.”
“For the Council of Europe, Ukraine and her children is a priority, reflected in the creation of the Register of Damage for Ukraine with a claims category for forcible transfer or deportation of children, in the work to establish a Claims Commission and a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression, and in the establishment of the Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine.”
“Accountability is not only a matter for Ukraine – it is a shared responsibility,” Thórdís Gylfadóttir stated.
Special Envoy at Danish Parliament
Earlier on that day the Special Envoy took part in the Nordic Ukraine Advocacy Summit 2026 in Copenhagen. Addressing policymakers, civil society representatives and experts at the Danish Parliament, she underlined that “there can be no just and lasting peace without the return of Ukrainian children”.
The Special Envoy highlighted ongoing efforts by Ukraine and its international partners, including the International Coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, aimed at locating, returning and supporting affected children. Calling for stronger international coordination and continued support for civil-society organisations, Thórdís Gylfadóttir stressed that accountability must translate into concrete action to ensure the safe return, rehabilitation and reintegration of Ukrainian children.
Fostering international cooperation, identifying opportunities for synergies with international partners and liaising with them, such as the coalition for the return of children of Ukraine, are part of the mandate of the Special Envoy appointed by the Secretary General in February 2025, to advance the Council of Europe’s action for children of Ukraine.
The Council of Europe’s wide-ranging support for Ukraine
Secretary General Alain Berset
Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine
