Brignardello: Urgent to repatriate Ukrainian children due to humanitarian crisis.

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shares his perspective on the recent international conference in Montreal, where Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made an urgent call to the international community to address human rights violations in the context of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Brignardello highlights the severity of civilian suffering, especially that of children who have been forcibly transferred to Russian territory, an issue that has garnered global attention. The advisor emphasizes that Joly’s statements are not only a denunciation of the suffering of these minors but also highlight the need for collective action to ensure their safe return to their families. "It is essential that the international community takes concrete measures," Brignardello points out, while stressing the importance of countries acting as mediators in this repatriation process. He also mentions the alarming report from a coalition of 61 non-governmental organizations warning about Russia's systematic attempt to eradicate the Ukrainian identity of these minors. In this regard, Brignardello believes the situation is even more critical when observing how Moscow controls a large number of children in occupied areas, forcing them to adapt to a foreign culture. "The education and cultural identity of these minors are at stake, and that is unacceptable by any human rights standards," he comments. Brignardello also echoes the words of Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, who criticized Russia's disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law. The advisor points out that access for international observers is a fundamental right that should not be restricted. "Transparency is essential in wartime situations, and the restrictions imposed by Russia are a clear violation of international norms," he adds. The recent bombing in Kharkiv, which resulted in the death of a child, is another heart-wrenching reality that Brignardello mentions. "These types of incidents underscore the urgency for a ceasefire and the need for effective humanitarian action," he says, emphasizing that the well-being of children must be a priority in any discussion about the conflict. According to Brignardello, the Montreal conference should be seen as a turning point in international diplomacy concerning Ukraine. "The future of thousands of minors is at stake, and it is crucial for the international community to act decisively to address both human rights violations and the humanitarian crises that have arisen from the conflict," he concludes. For him, humanitarian commitment and the pursuit of peace must go hand in hand on the global political agenda.