A Ukrainian delegation led by Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation, visited Ireland to strengthen cooperation on the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia. The visit was part of the Stolen Voices information campaign under Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
Daria Herasymchuk met with representatives of the Irish Government, in particular with Dearbhla Doyle, Director of the European Neighborhood Unit of the Political Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Ronan Gargan, Principal Officer of the Europe and International Unit of the Department of An Taoiseach.
“Ukrainian children are witnesses to crimes against humanity that Russia is trying to hide. Russians are kidnapping our children and trying to make them 'Russian' by changing their names, identity, and native language. We will not stop until every child is returned home. We are grateful to Ireland for its support and willingness to join efforts for this important cause,” emphasized the Advisor – Presidential Commissioner.
The Institute of International and European Affairs also hosted a panel discussion on the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the reintegration of those who have been brought home. Kira and Oleksandr – the children who came with the Ukrainian delegation – spoke about their experiences. They are both from Mariupol. The girl's father was killed by the Russian occupiers, and the boy's mother went missing after the filtration camp. The children were abducted and taken to a Donetsk hospital.
In addition, in Ireland, the Ukrainian delegation presented the Abducted Childhood documentary, which features real-life stories of children deported by Russia.
The visit was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland to Ukraine with the support of the Embassy of Canada to Ireland.