Since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government estimates that 20,000 children have been forcibly abducted by Russian forces, with some estimates suggesting the number could be several hundred thousand. Children are not only displaced but also subjected to re-education. Their documents are changed, they are granted Russian citizenship, they are prohibited from learning their native language and culture, placed in Russian families, and enrolled in military organizations. This process completely destroys their national identity and, with it, their chances of returning home.

These abductions are not only morally reprehensible, but they also violate international law, including the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These actions may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of the rights to identity and family reunification.

The "Bring Kids Back UA" Task Force is at the forefront of efforts to address these unlawful abductions. In its mission to return all Ukrainian children and prevent further abductions, the Task Force urges sustained international pressure.

We call upon the international community to:

1. Publicly condemn these crimes and demand that the Russian Federation cease the practice of abductions and return every abducted Ukrainian child unconditionally.
2. Demand that Russia provide international organizations access to all data on Ukrainian children on Russian territory, including information on their whereabouts, status, name changes, and placement in Russian families under guardianship or adoption.
3. Grant international missions access to facilities in Russia and temporarily occupied territories where Ukrainian children are being held.
4. Support Ukraine's humanitarian efforts to rescue children from deportation and forced displacement, providing reintegration services for returning children and supporting the evacuation of children at risk of deportation

By signing this petition, you will support the urgent mission to return Ukraine’s children and prevent future violations. Time is of the essence. Please join us in this critical fight to protect the rights and futures of these children.