STRASBOURG, 9 July 2025 – Malta’s Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Hon. Michael Falzon, addressed a High-Level Conference on the Children of Ukraine, co-organised by the Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine and the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The conference focused on strengthening coordinated efforts to protect the rights of Ukrainian children affected by war, as part of the Council of Europe’s “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” Action Plan for Ukraine. The event gathered senior officials, including the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Alain Berset, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ms Mariana Betsa, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine, Ms Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir.
In his address, Hon. Falzon reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to placing children at the heart of its Presidency. “Our obligation to the children of Ukraine is a test for our continent,” he stated, “an opportunity to show our collective resolve to uphold and defend the rights of all children, especially those facing the trauma of war.”
Discussions during the conference highlighted the immense challenges faced by Ukrainian children. Deputy Foreign Minister Betsa informed that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly abducted since the 2022 full-scale invasion, with only 1,400 successfully returned to their families. She appealed to the international community for increased pressure on Russia to guarantee the safe return of all abducted children.
Secretary General Berset underlined the Council of Europe’s focus on long-term, sustainable support for children. He announced that the Register of Damage, currently documenting over 40,000 claims, will introduce a dedicated category for harm suffered by children, including forced deportations. The Action Plan will also prioritise investment in education, child protection, and trauma-informed care.
Ms Gylfadóttir delivered a stark message, condemning the systematic mistreatment of children in Ukraine. She stressed the need for sustained attention and action, stating, “even when the world moves on, it does not move on for these children of war.”
As the Maltese Presidency continues, the protection of the most vulnerable, particularly the children of Ukraine, remains a central priority. Malta stands committed to working alongside Council of Europe member states to ensure justice, accountability, and lasting protection for every child impacted by conflict.