The Commissioner for Children’s Rights noted that work to reunite children with their relatives in Russia and Ukraine is being carried out on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin.
A 13-year-old boy has returned to Russia to his mother and father. Maria Lvova-Belova said the child was temporarily living with his grandmother in Ukraine. The family turned to the Commissioner for Children’s Rights for help.
Eleven children aged 10 to 17 have reunited with their relatives in Ukraine. Everyone’s situation is different. For example, a boy lived in Russia with his mother but decided to move to Ukraine to be with his father. A girl, who lived in Russia with her father, was taken by her mother. A 13-year-old boy wanted to move to live with his sister after his grandmother died.
The Commissioner for Children’s Rights thanked the State of Qatar for help. Representatives of the country are participating in negotiations with the Ukrainian side, accompanying the children and covering transport and other expenses. Maria Lvova-Belova also expressed gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross, regional commissioners for children’s rights, law enforcement agencies, and representatives of relevant agencies.
To date, with the participation of the Commissioner’s office, 25 children from 17 families have reunited with relatives in Russia, and 112 children from 88 families have reunited with relatives in Ukraine and third countries.
You can apply for help in matters of reuniting with your family by sending an email message to obr@deti.gov.ru.