As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic emphasises the immense and unjustified suffering of civilians in this war, especially under Russian occupation – a regime that denies people their right to choose their own future.

Czechia condemns the deportation of children from Ukrainian regions under temporary Russian occupation as a grave violation of human rights. We also strongly condemn the militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children and young people under Russian agoccupation.

We see these crimes clearly and we do not look away. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

We have been actively raising this issue in international fora since the beginning of the war. We believe that sustained international pressure and public awareness are essential to ending this abhorrent practice.

Czechia is also providing financial support to several Ukrainian non-governmental organisations working actively on human rights abuses in the occupied territories, including the situation of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.

Early this year, in February, in Prague, I met three deported children from Mariupol – Kyra, Ivan and Maxym. Hearing their stories was a vivid reminder that in abducting children, Russia is not only committing a crime – it is trying to steal and deny Ukraine’s future.

We will continue to support the work of the International Coalition to bring every deported Ukrainian child back home. No child should ever be torn from their family, their home, or their future – and we will not cease until they are returned.

Thank you.

President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, UN, New York 23rd of September 2025