Montreal: Over 45 countries have agreed on a plan to facilitate the return of deported Ukrainians.
The Montreal conference took steps to facilitate the return of deported Ukrainians and prisoners. This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
At the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula in Montreal, which gathered representatives from over 70 countries and international organizations, a Joint Communique was adopted, with the key element being the so-called Montreal Commitment. This document outlines international measures aimed at the return of all Ukrainians who are either imprisoned or deported.
The communique describes a unified position among participants who reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and condemned any assistance provided to the terrorist state to continue its aggression. Additionally, an agreement was reached to enhance Ukraine's cooperation with international partners and organizations to address humanitarian issues and ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions regarding the protection of individuals during wartime.
One of the main decisions was to involve reliable intermediary countries for negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the return of Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and children. The conference also proposed establishing mechanisms that would allow Ukrainians in hostile countries to access consular services.
Among the international partners at the conference, specific countries agreed to take concrete actions. Qatar, the Vatican, and South Africa acted as intermediaries for negotiations concerning the return of deported Ukrainian children, while Lithuania and Qatar also became transit countries to assist in transporting the children home. The United Arab Emirates took on the role of mediator in negotiations regarding prisoner exchanges.
The meeting participants also agreed to form a group of countries to seek information about Ukrainian prisoners, particularly children, and to provide support in verifying the collected data. Furthermore, the conference committed to supporting Ukraine in the reintegration of those who have returned home.