Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine raises questions about the situation of children who are displaced in the European Union from Ukraine. The issue becomes even more complex when these children are separated from their families, either because they have remained in Ukraine or because they are displaced in another Member State.
It is important to ensure that these children are protected against the risk of violence, exploitation, illegal adoption, abduction, sale or child trafficking. From a civil law perspective, for legal practitioners, this situation brings to the forefront a number of private international family law issues related to international jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition, and enforcement. These issues become critical when addressing the rights and needs of these displaced children, particularly in ensuring their safety, welfare, and the re-establishment of family connections. For this reason, it is essential to use the instruments that protect the rights of these children.
In European and international law, there are instruments designed to ensure the protection of children, with special provisions for the protection of and assistance to children temporarily or permanently deprived of their family environment, including in emergency situations, such as an armed conflict. These instruments and guidance as to their application with regard to children from Ukraine are presented in the thematic sections of this page.
Useful links
- Information on Ukrainian law
- Online multilingual form for Ukrainian children traveling to and residing in the European Union. This form allows Ukrainian parents or legal representatives of a child traveling to the European Union to declare who is responsible for travelling with the child and/or exercising parental responsibility for the child.
- Call from the Prime Minister of Ukraine about the prohibition of interstate adoption of Ukrainian children (92 Kb)
- Amendments to the Adoption procedure (69 Kb)
- The procedure for the return of children in institutions (facilities) to Ukraine (119 Kb)
- Practical Tool for Guardians: Temporary protection for unaccompanied children fleeing Ukraine
- Communications from the European Commission: