Liudmyla Shemelynets takes part in the 8th meeting of the Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine

First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Liudmyla Shemelynets took part in the 8th meeting of the Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU) in Strasbourg. This is a key platform that brings together Ukrainian institutions, EU countries, the Council of Europe and international experts to coordinate decisions concerning the protection of children affected by war.

In her speech, Liudmyla Shemelynets drew the international community's attention to one of the most sensitive and complex issues – the safe return of Ukrainian children temporarily displaced abroad and their subsequent reintegration. Ukraine continues to pursue a comprehensive family-oriented policy aimed at ensuring that every child grows up in a family or in an environment closest to a family environment.

"Our primary task is to meet the individual needs of children, create conditions for their return to a safe environment, and provide a full package of support at their place of residence. This is only possible with close coordination with host countries and the support of our international partners,’ said the First Deputy Minister.

She focused separately on monitoring visits to countries where evacuated children are staying, allowing for a thorough assessment of the satisfaction of children's needs and their access to educational, medical, rehabilitation, social and other services.

"The consolidation of efforts by the state, partners, civil society and host countries is a guarantee that every Ukrainian child will feel secure and supported. I would like to thank our partners for the meaningful dialogue within the platform and for supporting Ukraine on issues related to the safety and well-being of children," concluded Liudmyla Shemelynets.