Many Ukrainian children are currently in Russia after being unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred there. In addition, an unknown number of Ukrainian civilians have been unlawfully detained. Both civilians and prisoners of war are being held in extremely difficult conditions. Many families have no information about the whereabouts of their loved ones, and efforts to bring them home are complex and resource-intensive.

“Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has resulted in serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. We must continue to draw attention to these violations and do what we can to support Ukrainians affected by the war,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Supporting humanitarian organisations

“Norway is increasing its support for the humanitarian work of UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross. These funds will help trace missing persons, support efforts to bring more people home, and assist with rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by the war,” said Mr Eide.

NOK 15 million has been earmarked for UNICEF’s work to support the reintegration of children who have returned to Ukraine and to trace missing children. This funding is part  Norway’s broader contribution of NOK 132 million to UNICEF’s humanitarian programme in Ukraine.

NOK 10 million will be allocated to the ICRC’s Central Tracing Agency Bureau (CTA).  

In addition, Norway is providing NOK 90 million to support the International Committee of the Red Cross’s wider humanitarian operations in Ukraine.

Norway co-hosts conference in Toronto

The support package was announced in connection with the international conference Pathways to Peace: Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, taking place in Toronto on 28 and 29 September. Norway is co-hosting the conference together with Canada and Ukraine.

State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson is leading the Norwegian delegation and will moderate a panel discussion on Ukrainian civilians unlawfully detained in Russia.

According to a number of reports, Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia are subjected to isolation, torture and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment. They are often denied adequate healthcare, sufficient food and access to legal representation. Through the conference, Norway will help ensure that greater international attention is given to their situation.

Facts

Since 2022, Norway has provided more than NOK 1 billion in support to UNICEF’s work in Ukraine. Around NOK 80 million of this funding has been earmarked for efforts relating to unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred children.

Norway has provided more than NOK 1 billion in support to the International Committee of the Red Cross since 2022, including NOK 40 million earmarked for its Central Tracing Agency Bureau.

Protecting children and people affected by war lies at the heart of the mandates of both organisations.