International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children Welcomes 52nd Member, Honduras

Toronto, Canada – Honduras has joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, becoming its 52nd member – supporting European and wider international efforts. This follows New Zealand’s accession as the Coalition’s 51st member in August, underscoring the continued expansion of international support for efforts to secure the safe return of Ukrainian children.

The accession comes as representatives from 83 countries and international organizations convened in Toronto earlier this week for the two-day Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War, co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway. The conference aimed to strengthen cooperation on the return and reintegration of Ukrainian children, unlawfully detained civilians and prisoners of war. 

 Honduras’ decision to join the Coalition represents growing global efforts and reflects the broad international commitment to protecting children affected by conflict and supporting their safe return. Its participation demonstrates that the protection of children is a shared humanitarian responsibility that extends across regions and political contexts, both in Europe and beyond

Ukrainian children are being scattered across Russia, thousands of kilometers from home. Their origin documents are forged, Russian passports are issued, and many are handed over to foster or adoptive families.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, expressed gratitude for Honduran support and committed to working with global partners:

“We are grateful to Honduras for joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Every new member strengthens our collective ability to act and brings us closer to our shared goal of bringing Ukrainian children home. Ukraine will continue working with partners around the world to ensure the safe return of every child and accountability for those responsible for their unlawful deportation, forced transfer, illegal adoption and militarisation.”

Head of Bring Kids Back UA, Maksym Maksymov, highlighted the importance of continued international cooperation: 

“Honduras joining the International Coalition is an important step in strengthening our collective efforts to return Ukrainian children. As the Coalition grows, so does its potential to deepen practical cooperation — from tracing and return to reintegration and international coordination. Our focus is on ensuring that this growing support leads to concrete progress for children and their families.”

Speaking at the Pathways to Peace Conference in Toronto, Mireya Agüero, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras, said:

“Honduras is honoured to be part of a coalition of countries committed to preserving a sense of humanity in the face of the darkest aspects of conflict and war. What is happening today in Ukraine is affecting the lives of an entire generation of children and young people who have been separated from their homes, their families and their communities. Honduras is ready to join efforts […] and contribute through various multilateral forums to advocate for an end to all measures contrary to human dignity, the family and the best interests of the child.”