Statement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili at the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War

Allow me at the outset to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada, and in particular to Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, for convening this important Ministerial Meeting in Toronto and for demonstrating continued leadership.

The war against Ukraine continues to cause immense suffering to civilians, with consequences extending far beyond the battlefield.

The situation of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war requires our continued and collective attention.

What we heard today is a powerful reminder that the human cost of war extends well  beyond the loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. 

It is painfully reflected in families separated, children deprived of their homes and loved ones, civilians deprived of their liberty, and prisoners of war awaiting their return.

For Georgia, these issues resonate particularly deeply.

Our own experience of conflict and occupation has shown us the long-term humanitarian consequences of war. 

Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s two regions has left hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes, while denying them the fundamental right to return safely, voluntarily, and with dignity.

We know the pain of displacement, separation from families, and communities torn apart.

This experience reinforces Georgia’s conviction that international law and international humanitarian law must remain at the centre of our collective response.

Georgia reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

We support international efforts aimed at achieving peace, consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

At the same time, peace must go hand in hand with respect for human rights and humanitarian principles.

Georgia will continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people, in support of international law, human dignity, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.