18-year-old Marina has returned to Ukraine from Russia as part of the President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network and the NGO Pluriton.
After Russian forces occupied her hometown in 2014, Marina was taken to Russia. As a minor, she had no way to leave for Ukrainian-controlled territory for nearly 10 years. Yet, throughout this time, she dreamed of returning home to her beloved grandfather. The moment she turned 18, Marina reached out to our partners, who organized her rescue mission. Today, she is finally home. From now on, Marina will receive comprehensive support from the Ukrainian Child Rights Network’s case managers and psychologists to help her rebuild her life.
Every child we bring home is a step toward a brighter future, and together, we will continue this mission until all Ukrainian children are back where they belong.
*Name changed for security reasons.
The Ukrainian Child Rights Network, in partnership with SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland e.V., is implementing the «Way Home: A New Route» project to return and support deported children and youth.