Canada, Ukraine, and Norway to host conference on returning detainees

Canada, Ukraine, and Norway will co-host an international conference in Toronto titled ‘Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War’. Scheduled for September 28 and 29, the event aims to strengthen international cooperation to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war held by Russia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that the gathering will bring together foreign ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from international organizations. Key agenda items include addressing the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, as well as the unlawful detention of civilians. Participants will also seek to improve tracing, information sharing, and the establishment of pathways for the return of affected individuals.

According to Global Affairs Canada, Ukrainian authorities have documented 20,651 cases of possible unlawful deportation or forcible transfer of children by Russia, with 2,573 children returned so far. Additionally, while 1,878 civilian detentions have been confirmed, some organizations estimate the actual number of detained civilians could reach 20,000. The conference will also focus on providing rehabilitation and reintegration services for those returning home.