Cooperation on the repatriation of unaccompanied children to the state of origin: Denys Uliutin signs agreement with the Republic of Moldova

In execution of an instruction from the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Uliutin has signed an Agreement with the Republic of Moldova on cooperation regarding the repatriation of unaccompanied children to the state of origin. The Agreement was signed on the Moldovan side by Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

The document provides for strengthened bilateral cooperation in the field of protecting the rights of children who are present on the territory of another state without an accompanying legal representative, ensuring their social and legal support, and establishing a mechanism for the safe and voluntary return to the state of origin, taking into account the best interests of the child.

Importantly, repatriation is voluntary and takes place only after the child’s opinion has been considered. Children are provided with information in their own language, and diplomatic missions assist in establishing identity and issuing documents.

The Agreement guarantees the protection of children’s personal data in accordance with international standards. It also sets out a clear procedure for repatriation, including notification of the competent authorities, identification of the child, preparation of documents, handover of the child, and assessment of the possibility of safe return.