Madam President,

Ambassadors,

Dear colleagues,

For almost four years now, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have been facing a brutal war of aggression.

This war has claimed thousands of civilian casualties, deliberately targeted by Russia in its attempts to break the resistance of the Ukrainian people. Russia has not hesitated to target the most vulnerable: children. The United Nations has repeatedly documented systematic violations of their rights: killing and maiming, sexual violence, attacks targetting schools and hospitals, deportations, and forced recruitment.

This Assembly has once again gathered today in an emergency session because it must respond to these crimes. The resolution adopted today, which France supported, reflects our collective determination to defend the inalienable rights of children.

Today, the international community condemns the crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainian children—children who have been subjected to violence, torn from their families, taken by force to a foreign country, illegally adopted, indoctrinated, stripped of their identity, and deprived of the hope of returning to their country and their families. France supports the good offices by the UN Secretary-General regarding the return of Ukrainian children, as set out in the resolution. We recall that there can be no lasting peace without justice.

France strongly condemns the crimes committed against Ukrainian children and all civilians in Ukraine. Those responsible for these massive violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. France fully supports the international mechanisms fighting impunity. It reiterates its support for the International Criminal Court, for the Monitoring Mechanism on grave violations committed against children in armed conflict established by the Secretary-General, and for the Ukrainian jurisdictions.

Madam President,

It is time for Russia to hear the clear message of the international community. Eight times already since 24 February 2022, this Assembly has condemned the Russian aggression and reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. It has called for a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

It is time for a ceasefire to be implemented—which Ukraine has accepted in principle for several months now, but which Russia continues to reject. It is time for Russia to end its delaying tactics and engage in good faith in negotiations. While it claims to seek peace, Russia continues its deadly strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Madam President,

Today, once again, we pay tribute to the unwavering courage of Ukrainians who are acting to protect their children and bring home those who have been deported. France will continue to stand with them in defending children’s rights in international fora, in particular through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, led by Canada. Russia must cease its shameful violations of international humanitarian law and assume its responsibilities as occupying power for the millions of children living in the territories it occupies. It must restore Ukrainian children’s right to a childhood by ending its war of aggression. Russia must return Ukraine’s children to Ukraine.

Thank you.