Clune urges return of abducted children follwing visit to Ukraine
Deirdre Clune MEP (Ireland South) has urged the unconditional release of detainees, in particular abducted Ukrainian children who were taken by Russian forces, following her visit to Ukraine this week.
The Fine Gael MEP was the only Irish Member of the European Parliament’s first delegation to visit Chernihiv and Yahidne in northern Ukraine.
Clune and her MEP colleagues belonging to the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights visited the region, 150km north of Kiev, to listen to personal testimonies from victims of Russian atrocities on 22-23 October.
Upon her return, MEP Clune said, “I am genuinely inspired by the bravery and commitment of the Ukrainian people. They are engaged in a harrowing war of attrition with Russia, while at the same time looking forward towards a European future.
“It is only when you step foot inside Ukraine that you get real sense of an active war being on our doorstep”, MEP Clune added.
MEP Clune stressed the European Parliament’s firm support to Ukraine’s quest for seeking justice, upholding human rights and consolidating its judicial system.
“Ukraine can count on the EU’s full support. Europe stands ready to take a leading role in the international reconstruction efforts to help rebuild a resilient and democratic Ukraine.”
“Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression, the EU and its Member States have provided around €53 billion in support for Ukraine”, MEP Clune noted.
Earlier this month, the European Parliament also voted to approve the setup of a new ‘Facility’ to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation. The Facility will also contribute to good governance, consolidating democracy and human rights, including a rights-based childcare system.
MEP Clune underlined her commitment to work towards effective mechanisms to bridge the existing accountability gaps, including for Russia’s crime of aggression through an international tribunal, as well as the urgency to address the situation of civilian detainees, missing persons and abducted children
