Returns to Ukraine of Ukrainian children who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022
Date:
Commissioner for Human Rights has recently received complaints regarding the organized returns to Ukraine of Ukrainian children who arrived in Poland after February 24, 2022.
Information available to the CHR suggests several groups of Ukrainian children are scheduled to return to Ukraine soon. The Deputy of Commissioner for Human Rights, Valeri Vachev asked the Minister of Family and Social Affairs to investigate the matter and provide reasons for organizing the return of refugee children to Ukraine. In his statement, the Commissioner points out that the EU mechanism for the protection of children has been prolonged to March 4, 2024 and therefore continues to cover children who came to Poland from Ukraine.
Deputy Minister Barbara Socha responded to the CHR’s questions by stating that the procedures are followed accordingly and that everything is organized in cooperation with the Ukrainian military administrations, consulate and courts.
Children are returned to their respective legal guardians in accordance with the Ukrainian law and court rulings. The Ministry stresses that it is in constant contact with the Ukrainian authorities.
