December 10th is Human Rights Day, a day when the world commemorates the anniversary of a significant global commitment: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document asserts the inherent dignity and the inalienable rights that every person is entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, property, birth, or any other status. Today, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine threatens the values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, leading to numerous crimes not only against Ukrainians but against humanity as a whole. One of the most vulnerable groups affected by Russia’s actions is Ukrainian children.
Last week, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation announced a commitment of $220,000 to Save Ukraine to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children forcibly taken from their homes in Ukraine’s currently occupied territories. This vital funding, made possible by a $100,000 contribution from the Temerty Foundation and the unwavering generosity of Canadians, underscores a united effort to protect the most vulnerable and restore hope for the future.
“The Temerty Foundation is proud to support the work of Canada Ukraine Foundation and Save Ukraine. We must all work together to ensure the safe return of all Ukrainian children to their homes,” said Krystina Waler, Director of Ukrainian Initiatives at the Temerty Foundation.
With this incredible donation, Save Ukraine will be able to rescue an additional 12 children from captivity and provide over 100 children, along with their families, with psychological, medical, and social support(s) needed during the rehabilitation and reintegration process. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Save Ukraine has developed a robust system for identifying, locating, rescuing and rehabilitating children abducted by Russian forces. These children have only known fear and loss, enduring unspeakable horrors, many surviving exploitation and abuse, leaving them in need of immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation. As a part of President Zelensky’s Bring Kids Back initiative, Save Ukraine has successfully returned more than 70% of all children who have been rescued from Russian captivity. To date, over 540 children, including 124 orphans, have been safely returned to Ukraine.
“Children are our future; they are Ukraine’s future. Our moral responsibility is to give Ukrainian children an opportunity to be raised in their culture and with the values of a society free of discrimination and abuse for their identity,” says Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, Chair of the Civil Society Committee of Canada Ukraine Foundation.
Amidst the chaos of Russia’s invasion, a story of resilience, survival, and hope stands out. Polina (10) her brother Vladyslav (14), and older brother Roman suffered immense physical and psychological trauma by the FSB, in addition to being subjected to the erasure of Ukrainian culture through propaganda while Russia occupied their territory. It is through the work of Save Ukraine that these children were able to be rescued from Russian terror. Donations of Canadians will directly contribute to reuniting children— like Polina and her brothers—to their families and restoring Ukrainian identity. This story is one of many, underscoring the urgent need for the work of Save Ukraine, who have been on the frontlines, saving children from the horrors of Russian captivity, rehabilitating, and reintegrating them since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
On December 3rd, the Founder of Save Ukraine, Mykola Kuleba joined Canada’s House Subcommittee on International Human Rights hearing to testify on Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children to emphasize the scope of the issue and how we, as Canadians, can contribute to the solution.
“Ukraine’s children are facing a devastating tragedy, with nearly half of them displaced, deported, or lost due to Russia’s aggression. 1.5 million have been subjected to indoctrination, forced assimilation, and militarization in occupied territories, turning victims into instruments of war. This is a clear act of genocide. At Save Ukraine, we are dedicated to rescuing these children, healing their trauma, and helping them restore their lives, ensuring no child is left behind and no future stolen.” says Mykola Kuleba, Founder of Save Ukraine.
To be a part of the effort to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate Ukrainian children from forceful Russian deportation, please donate. Visit cufoundation.ca to stay updated on one’s needs in Ukraine and to learn more.
Background
CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.