Council of Europe Chief Berset to name special representative for Ukrainian children

Ukraine's Ministry of Justice announced this.

During the meeting, in particular, the issue of returning Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia was discussed.

Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine's Ministry of Justice is creating a register of deported children and noted the importance of the Council of Europe joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. She emphasized that the register of deported children will become a reliable source of data on each child, regardless of the duration of their stay in Russia. She also spoke about the recently adopted legislation that defines the status of a deported child.

"That is, at any time within 10, 20 or 30 years after the war, a person will have this status. They will be in the database, even if they have been on the territory of the Russian Federation all these years. Speaking about justice and the post-war order, it is very important that we have data from the register of deported children that will confirm that a person has the status of a forcibly deported person, not a collaborator or someone else," emphasized Olha Stefanishyna.

Alain Berset, for his part, noted the plans to appoint a Special Representative for Ukrainian Children.

They also discussed progress in the work of the International Register of Losses as part of the international compensation mechanism. Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that Ukraine is looking forward to the establishment of the Claims Commission and the Compensation Fund as its next elements.

"The International Register of Losses is not just an accounting tool. We see it as the main source and a reliable database of damages to bring Russia to justice," Stefanishyna said.

The Secretary General assured that the Council of Europe will ensure the continuation of the International Register of Losses. He said that active work is underway to establish a Commission to review claims.

In her turn, Olha Stefanishyna emphasized the importance of the future Compensation Fund being replenished with confiscated Russian assets, as well as the leadership of the Council of Europe in this matter.

• Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset spoke about a number of specific challenges and priorities, in particular, he emphasized support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.