International community must do everything possible to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia - Rinkevics

RIGA - The international community must do everything possible to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, stressed Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who on Thursday jointly opened the international conference called Russia's War Against Children with First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

Rinkevics' adviser Martins Dregeris told LETA that the conference is discussing the holding of Russia accountable for the illegal deportations of children from the temporarily occupied territories in Ukraine. The conference discusses ways to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia.

In his opening address, the President of Latvia assured full support to Ukraine for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

"We are here to help Ukraine put an end to Russia's aggression against Ukrainian children. To stop the illegal deportations and forced relocation of Ukrainian children. To find ways to stop these cruel war tactics and recover the children. These are not just words. They are firm commitments that Latvia, together with more than 60 countries, has made as part of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children," Rinkevics said.

The President stressed that Russia's criminal actions were a violation of international humanitarian law and are qualified as a war crime. He noted that by forcibly removing children from their homes and families, Russia is violating their fundamental rights to security, family life and a sense of belonging.

"It is deliberately destroying the identity of Ukrainian children, causing deep emotional and psychological trauma. Worse still, Russia flaunts its actions on the global stage. This is a violation of international humanitarian law and qualifies as a war crime," Rinkevics said.

At the same time, the President stressed that the international community should do everything possible to condemn Russia's criminal actions and to demand accountability from Russia and Belarus, which is also complicit.