Following the results of the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula in Montreal, its participants approved the Joint Communiqué. Its key aspect is the agreement of the Montreal Commitment, designed to facilitate the return of all captured, illegally imprisoned and deported Ukrainians.
In particular, the conference participants agreed to strengthen Ukraine's cooperation with partners and international organizations to resolve humanitarian issues and ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions.
One of the most important points is the search for trusted intermediary countries for negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the return of Ukrainian military personnel, civilians and children home. It is also proposed to create mechanisms with the help of intermediaries that will enable Ukrainians in Russia to receive consular services.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiga noted that Ukraine received concrete results from this conference, which many Ukrainian families are expecting. "We have relevant obligations. We have created a network - these are specific countries that have promised to help us objectively in the matter of returning children," he said at the final press conference.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, emphasized that Qatar, the Vatican, the Republic of South Africa, Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates have undertaken specific commitments to return deported civilians and prisoners to Ukraine.
In addition, a group of countries will be formed that will cooperate with Ukraine to find information about captured Ukrainians, including children, and will provide support in data collection and verification.
The participants of the conference also undertook to provide support to Ukraine in the reintegration of returnees. In addition, strategic communication campaigns will spread information about Russia's illegal detention and ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, deportation and forced transfer of children.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Bart Eide emphasized the importance of access of representatives of international humanitarian organizations to Ukrainian prisoners of war and their participation in the return of deported children.
In total, more than 70 countries and international organizations took part in this conference.