Condemning Russia’s Forced Abduction of Ukrainian Children

Unmesh Desai AM moved, and Bassam Mahfouz AM seconded the following motion:

"The London Assembly notes that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to the Russian Federation and Belarus or detained in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with only 1,293 returned and 624 confirmed dead, according to President Zelenskyy’s ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative.

According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, the real figures are probably much higher, as these transfers and deportations continue.
The London Assembly strongly condemns the violent actions of the Russian Federation in the mistreatment of Ukrainian children, including murder, forced transfer and deportation, illegal adoption, sexual abuse and exploitation, forced Russification and militarisation.

The London Assembly notes the role played by the British Government in supporting Ukraine’s struggle against invasion and commends recent administrations for their unwavering support for Ukraine. 

The Assembly recognises and thanks the Mayor of London, the previous and current Government, and local councils across Greater London for his their support for Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in London, including through the delivery of the Refugee Housing programme.

We thank Londoners for their generosity in welcoming Ukrainians who have come to our city to seek sanctuary.

The Assembly calls on the Chair and Mayor to separately write to the Foreign Secretary on behalf of London’s Ukrainian community to enquire how the Government is supporting justice and the safe return for Ukrainian children and urge the Government to increase its efforts to achieve these aims."

Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, this motion was agreed unanimously.