On November 6-8, 2024, Brazil became a focal point of global humanitarian advocacy as a Ukrainian delegation under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative gathered for a three-day series of events. Led by Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, Action Days centered on Russian deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children.
Events in Brazil included meetings with Brazilian officials and a public seminar, all focused on raising awareness and fostering global cooperation.
The Ukrainian delegation's initial meetings addressed urgent child protection concerns with key officials and human rights advocates, exploring ways Brazil might support Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts and contribute to the implementation of Point 4 of the Peace Formula. On the second day, Ukrainian representatives engaged in public discussions that highlighted the atrocities faced by Ukrainian children under deportations.
The international seminar “Human Rights of Children and Youth in Situations of War” featured a lecture by Dmytro Lubinets, who brought to the public the latest information on the issue and on rescue operations. Mediated by journalist Clébio Cavagnolle, the presentation was followed by a roundtable discussion with invited guests: Adriana Mangabeira, lawyer and social activist, Márcia Tranquillini, lawyer and vice-president of the Commission for the Defense of the Rights of Children, Adolescents and Youth of the OAB/DF, and Ricardo Seitenfus, international relations specialist, author of more than 40 books and a representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Haiti and Nicaragua. Participants of the seminar exchanged thoughts on how Latin America’s experiences with transitional justice might inform Ukraine’s strategies to protect its abducted children.
Dmytro Lubinets underscored the urgency of Ukraine’s mission, stating, “If we do not react, child rights violations will continue to occur. And we do not have much time. If we manage to return at least one child per day, it will take 55 years to bring all the children back. Imagine the feelings of these families, of these mothers who cannot hug their children. The children need to be returned to their families immediately.”
Anthony Triolo, PFRU Senior Transitional Justice and Government Relations Officer, addressed the systemic methods used to separate Ukrainian children from their roots, explaining, “It is a multi-layered system that forcibly separates children, destroying their cultural roots. These children are absorbed into Russian culture in such a way that their reintegration into their own families becomes extremely difficult.”
The event highlighted the importance of international support in addressing the humanitarian crisis, encouraging Brazil to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and to help protect children and prevent future child deportation crimes.
The Bring Kids Back UA exhibition which was opened during the Action days in San Paulo showcased images of destroyed Ukrainian towns and villages, focusing on children’s playgrounds, schools, and family homes. This moving display allowed visitors to witness firsthand the harsh realities Ukrainian children face due to the Russian invasion.
Attendees were invited to support the mission by signing a global petition, amplifying international pressure on Russia for the safe return of Ukraine’s children.