TORONTO: Canada, Ukraine and Norway have concluded the second international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war, with 54 countries and organizations endorsing the Toronto Pledge to strengthen international efforts to bring affected Ukrainians home.
The “Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War” was held in Toronto on September 28 and 29, 2026.
The conference was co-hosted by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Uliutin, and Norway’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Eivind Vad Petersson.
The conference focused on the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, the detention of civilians and the treatment and return of prisoners of war following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At the conclusion of the conference, 54 countries and organizations endorsed the Toronto Pledge.
The pledge translates international solidarity into collective commitments aimed at bringing Ukrainian children, unlawfully detained civilians and prisoners of war back to Ukraine.
It also seeks to ensure that returned people and their families receive appropriate rehabilitation, reintegration and other support as they rebuild their lives.
Minister Anita Anand announced a series of Canadian initiatives to strengthen support for Ukraine and people affected by the conflict.
Canada will provide $6 million to support organizations working to address the most urgent needs of Ukrainian children.
Of this amount, $3 million will support Hala Systems, Save Ukraine and relevant Ukrainian government entities in addressing the deportation, indoctrination, militarization and recruitment of Ukrainian children.
The contribution will also help partners detect emerging threats, identify children at particular risk and undertake protective interventions.
An additional $1 million will expand an ongoing project with the German Marshall Fund to strengthen Ukrainian civil society organizations supporting affected children and their families.
Canada will also provide an additional $2 million to UNICEF, previously announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, to support the development of a dedicated state reintegration service for returned Ukrainian children.
The conference also highlighted the need for effective support systems and practical tools for people returning to Ukraine.
Minister Anand announced a further $863,000 in new funding for initiatives supporting returned civilians and prisoners of war.
This includes an additional $500,000 to provide stronger support to male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including civilians returned from Russian detention and former prisoners of war.
Another $363,000 will be provided through multiple Canada Fund for Local Initiatives projects.
The projects will support community-based organizations in delivering practical assistance, restoring dignity and contributing to the recovery of people who return from detention and conflict.
Minister Anand also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to work with Ukraine on a multi-donor pooled initiative supporting implementation of Ukraine’s National Veteran Strategy.
The initiative is intended to help ensure that Ukrainian veterans have access to the services and assistance they require.
Canada also reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children.
On September 10, Canada announced sanctions against eight additional individuals over their involvement in violations of Ukrainian children’s rights, including their alleged role in deportation, forcible transfer, indoctrination.
Reported By: Mirza Maqbool Baig I Political Reporter
