Strengthening efforts to protect children and prisoners
Press release | Date: 12/06/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norway is increasing its support for efforts to protect children deported to Russia, civilians unlawfully detained by Russia and Ukrainian prisoners of war.
'It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of thousands of children who have been forcibly deported to Russia since the start of the war. We want to help these children return and be reunited with their families. This is important to ensure that they can fully enjoy their right to life and liberty like other children, go to school, live a safe life at home and have access to healthcare', says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide.
This is in line with international law and in the best interests of a child. Norway is also particularly engaged in the work for Ukrainian civilians who are captured and prisoners of war. The government is now increasing humanitarian support for work in Ukraine by a total of NOK 386 million (€33,4 million). The funds will be allocated to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC). A significant part of the support will go to efforts to improve the protection and safeguarding of children, civilians and ensure the rights of prisoners of war.
'Despite attempts by interested parties to engage Russia in negotiations to establish a ceasefire, Russia's illegal war against Ukraine continues in full force. Norway is very concerned about the situation for the civilian population in Ukraine, not least the children', says Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
This week, the Foreign Minister is attending the Oslo Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, will participate in the forum. Mr Lubinets is central to the work on fair treatment of prisoners of war, captured Ukrainian civilians and Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia. Ukraine, Norway and Canadaco-chairthe working group for this topic underPresident Zelenskyj's peace formula.
50,000 missing persons
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported at the beginning of the year 50,000 open cases of missing persons linked to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a doubling in the past year,. The ICRC's Central Tracing Agency (CTA-B) works with all parties to the conflict to prevent disappearances, support families looking for their relatives and play a neutral intermediary role. Many Ukrainian civilians are held in Russian prisons without trial. Conditions in the prisons are described as very harsh. According to Amnesty International, Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians to torture, prolonged solitary confinement, enforced disappearances and other inhumane acts.
'Ensuring that international humanitarian law is respected helps to prevent war crimes and reduce the suffering of innocent people. It is also crucial to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most', says Mr Eide.
The ICRC has been given a special mandate in the Geneva Conventions to provide protection and assistance to victims of armed conflict. The ICRC is a key humanitarian partner for Norway. The increased Norwegian support will, among other things, contribute to their work with prisoners of war and missing persons.
Reintegration of children
UNICEF, the world's largest aid organization for children, reports that several thousand children have been forcibly deported since the start of Russia's war of aggression.
UNICEF plays an important role in the work to reintegrate the children who return home to Ukraine. Through the increased Norwegian support, UNICEF, together with Ukrainian authorities, will be able to step up the important work of reintegrating children who have been deported and returned to Ukraine.
'Protecting children is a key part of Norway's humanitarian policy and is given high priority in our cooperation with Ukraine. This is not only a moral obligation, but also an investment in the country's future. Through the reintegration of these children, we can give them the opportunity to overcome trauma and eventually contribute to a stable and inclusive future for the country', Mr Eide says.
The increased Norwegian support is distributed as follows:
- NOK 229 million (€19.8) to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
- NOK 140 million (€ 12.1) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
- NOK 17.3 million (€ 1.5) to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).
- Norway was among the largest humanitarian donors to Ukraine in 2024.