The Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, Oksana Zholnovych, met with Tordis Gylfadottir, Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the situation of children in Ukraine. The discussion focused on the pressing challenges related to the protection of the rights of Ukrainian children affected by the war. Both parties underscored the need for coordinated and sustained efforts to facilitate their safe return, reintegration, and access to comprehensive support in the context of the ongoing armed conflict. Iryna Postolovska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine for European Integration, also attended the meeting.

Oksana Zholnovych emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in safeguarding the rights of Ukrainian children and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to deepening constructive engagement with global partners.

"Today, we are focusing on trauma recovery and the documentation of every instance of war crimes committed against children. Public awareness and transparency are crucial — we must act proactively, as this is not only about safety but also about preserving the identity of Ukrainian children, which the enemy is deliberately attempting to erase.

Our task is to secure each child's return and ensure their successful reintegration and recovery through a comprehensive and sustainable system of services and rehabilitation programs. Together with our partners, we are also working to standardize maternal support services, as Ukraine currently has the lowest birth rate in Europe. This is our response to the profound trauma the country is experiencing — and at the same time, our contribution to the preservation of democratic values and human dignity," said Oksana Zholnovych.

The visit of Tordis Gylfadottir carries significant weight both diplomatically and politically. It reaffirms the high level of attention the Council of Europe pays to the situation of Ukrainian children affected by the war and underscores the international community’s commitment to their protection. One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the work of the Council of Europe’s Consultation Group on Ukraine’s Children (CGU).

"I am committed to making every possible effort to advance the protection of children's rights in Ukraine and to assist its people in their pursuit of peace and justice. Everything that happens to Ukrainian children must be documented, spoken about openly, and safeguarded. Ukraine demonstrates incredible resilience in this work. My role is to be of service, strengthening these efforts by connecting the right people, organizations, and media within Ukraine and beyond. We must keep the issue of child protection and accountability at the center of international attention," said Tordis Gylfadottir.

According to the “Children of War” platform, as of 21 March 2025, the war has claimed the lives of 602 Ukrainian children and left another 1,814 injured. A total of 2,058 children are considered missing, and 19,546 have been deported or forcibly displaced. At the same time, 1,240 children have been successfully returned, and 38,573 have been located. Separately, 19 cases of conflict-related sexual violence against children have been officially documented. Due to ongoing hostilities and the temporary occupation of parts of Ukraine, it remains challenging to determine the exact number of children affected by the war.

Ukraine continues its active efforts to protect the rights of children who were evacuated abroad following the onset of the full-scale invasion. Currently, most of these children live in organized groups under the care of professionals appointed by the Government of Ukraine.

The Government has also introduced legislative changes to enable individual assessments of the needs of each child abroad, based on which personalized care plans are developed. Approximately 2,000 children remain in various countries worldwide — primarily in EU member states such as Poland, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.

Deputy Minister Iryna Postolovska noted that Ukraine is currently undergoing a reform of its child care and support system, with active involvement from the Ministry of Social Policy, other relevant ministries, regional administrations, and civil society organizations. The core objective of the reform is to prevent institutionalization, support families with children, and ensure the transition of children to family-based care. Special attention is given to older children, children with disabilities, and the reintegration of those who have been deported or evacuated.

As part of the visit, Tordis Gylfadottir and Iryna Postolovska visited the National Children’s Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt,” which was targeted in a Russian missile attack on 8 July 2024. The high-level dialogue contributed to strengthening international collaboration and joint efforts aimed at ensuring the protection of children suffering as a result of Russian aggression.

Background: The Council of Europe Consultation Group on Ukraine’s Children (CGU) was established to support the practical implementation of the Reykjavik Summit Declaration (2023). Its purpose is to promote the exchange of information on applicable legal standards and policies. The group includes national experts appointed by member states, representatives of the European Union, international organizations, and European and Ukrainian civil society organizations. The CGU is an international cooperation project funded under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine (2023–2026).