During the 'Pathways to Peace' conference, which took place over two days in Toronto, an agreement was reached and signed by 54 countries concerning the return of Ukrainian minors, detained civilians, and prisoners of war to their home country.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, explained at the conclusion of the event that this document obligates signatories to locate Ukrainians displaced or detained by Russia, assist in their return, and provide subsequent support for their recovery and reintegration into their communities.
Anand stated: 'We promise to find Ukrainians who have been taken from their homes. We promise to bring them back, knowing that it may be dangerous, difficult, and hard, but it is most necessary.'
The 'Pathways to Peace' conference, organized by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway, gathered representatives from 83 countries and international organizations in Toronto, of which 54 states ultimately signed this agreement.
The Minister noted that the number of participants exceeded the figures of the conference held in Montreal in 2024, emphasizing that countries and organizations that had not previously participated were present in Toronto.
Furthermore, Anand recalled that since this meeting, 2,650 Ukrainian minors have returned from Russia or occupied territories, which is approximately three times more than returned after the Montreal conference.
Despite these successes, Anand pointed out that over 20,000 minors have still not returned, and she also highlighted the situation of detained civilians and prisoners of war.
Among the priorities identified during the two-day meetings was the need to expand the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, for locating missing persons and facilitating their return. Participants also analyzed the role of third countries as mediators.
The head of Canadian diplomacy cited Qatar as an example, which, in her opinion, helped return about 80 Ukrainian minors, as well as Lithuania, which provided transport systems for evacuating victims.
Another measure discussed in Toronto was improving access to reliable information about the location and conditions of people under Russian control. Participants also agreed to strengthen assistance for those returning, as well as their families and communities, especially through psychological and social support programs.
Anand reported that Canada has allocated about seven million Canadian dollars (approximately five million US dollars) for these programs, most of which is intended for local organizations working on the ground in Ukraine.
The Minister stressed that the testimonies presented during the conference by former detainees and family-separated individuals will serve as a guide for the diplomatic activities of participating countries in both multilateral forums and bilateral relations.
Anand defended the position that the forced displacement of minors, the detention of civilians, and the treatment of prisoners of war are documented violations of international law. She stated: 'Russia must not have the opportunity to turn these violations of international law into permanent ones.'
The head of diplomacy concluded the conference with a renewed call: 'Bring them home.'
