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The UN General Assembly yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution demanding that Russia immediately and unconditionally return Ukrainian children who were forcibly removed from their country.
 
The resolution, titled: “Return of Ukrainian Children”, was adopted with 91 countries voting in favour, 12 against and 57 abstentions. The resolution calls on Russia to cease forced transfers and deportations of children and to stop separating Ukrainian children from their families and guardians.
 
The resolution calls for the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukranian children. It also calls for humanitarian access and to permit aid organisations to access the affected children.
 
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations Committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said that the vote is a significant development, as it underscores the international community’s concern about the welfare of Ukrainian children affected by the conflict.
 
Ukraine has reported that over 19,500 children have been illegally transferred to Russia, Belarus or occupied territories, with fewer than 1,300 returned. “We have at all times adhered to the ethos of our own Constitution; South Africa's Constitution is very clear about children's rights,” said Mr Mahumapelo.
 
Section 28(1)(d) states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation. “We have a duty not only to protect our own children but to ensure that every child in this world of ours is protected and safe from physical or emotional harm. We are clear as South Africans that children have the right to family care or parental care and we therefore applaud all the countries who have voted in favour of the return of the Ukrainian children,” emphasised Mr Mahumapelo.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo