MFA: Slovakia Joins International Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children

Bratislava, 2 November (TASR) - Slovakia has joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, TASR learnt from the ministry's communications department on Monday. "The decision follows the European Council conclusions of 15 and 16 October 2026 supported by all EU-member states including Slovakia, calling for the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all Ukrainian children and other civilians who have been illegally deported or transferred. Based on these conclusions, Prime Minister Robert Fico asked Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (both Smer-SD) to assess the possibilities for Slovakia to join the coalition," stated the ministry. In this connection, Blanar stressed the importance of protecting children. "Slovakia has long and consistently promoted respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. Children are among the most vulnerable victims of war, and their protection must be our joint priority. By joining the coalition, we're simultaneously building on our longstanding support for Ukrainian children, whom we help both directly in Ukraine and here in Slovakia," he added. Blanar also said that before officially joining the coalition, Slovakia was actively monitoring its activities, and, according to him, it participated in meetings at the working and observer level. He also highlighted Slovakia's steps in supporting and protecting Ukrainian children. "Slovakia supported the reconstruction of six shelters in schools and nursery schools in Chernihiv and Sumy regions to the tune of €300,000, and, via the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation under the SlovakAid brand, Slovakia is also supporting the reconstruction of another shelter and energy security measures in a school in the city of Sumy," stated the ministry. "To date, Slovakia has also organised nine recreational stays for 195 children of Ukrainian rescue workers and police officers, while a significant part of the assistance also covers care provided to Ukrainian children, with nearly 17,000 having been integrated into Slovakia's education system," added the ministry. The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was set up on 2 February 2024 to promote the immediate and safe return of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported or forcibly displaced, as well as their reintegration and rehabilitation in accordance with international law. jrg/df