Protecting the rights of Ukrainian children – meeting between the Ministry of Social Policy and PACE

A delegation from the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, led by Deputy Minister for European Integration Iryna Postolovska, held a meeting with representatives of the Network of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) regarding the situation of Ukrainian children. The delegation included Paul Galles (Luxembourg), Eerik-Niiles Kross (Estonia), Sigurður Helgi Pálmason (Iceland), as well as the Head of the Network, Olena Khomenko (Ukraine).

During their visit to Kyiv, the PACE Network delegation on the situation of Ukrainian children held a series of meetings with representatives of state authorities, including ministries, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and civil society organizations, to assess the situation in Ukraine amid a new wave of attacks by Russia.

Special attention during the visit was given to issues of childcare system reform. In particular, an in-depth discussion with representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy, the Coordination Center for the Development of Family-Based Care, the National Social Service of Ukraine, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF Ukraine) focused on ensuring every child's right to grow up in a safe family environment.

"Our priority is for every child in Ukraine to grow up in a safe family environment. We are also working on the return of children deported to Russia. They must return to safety, to families where they will receive support. To achieve this, we are implementing reintegration programs that ensure access to a wide range of social, medical, and educational services.

The return of children forcibly evacuated abroad as part of institutional groups is carried out with consideration for their best interests following an individual assessment of needs. A family environment is the priority for their placement upon return. We are doing everything to ensure that every child grows up in safety and with the support guaranteed by the state, acting solely in their best interests," noted Iryna Postolovska.

The meeting was an important step in strengthening international support for Ukraine in matters of child rights protection. The Ministry of Social Policy expresses gratitude to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for its active participation in this crucial discussion and its readiness to support Ukraine in these complex issues.

For reference: The Parliamentary Network on the Situation of Ukrainian Children in PACE brings together parliamentarians from 46 member states of the Council of Europe, representatives of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, as well as observer countries. The Network was established in June 2024 following the adoption of a relevant resolution and supports the Ukrainian government and international organizations working with Ukrainian children, particularly their efforts in identifying, returning, and rehabilitating deported children

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