At the close of the Toronto conference, around fifty states and several international organisations signed a pledge to return POWs, detained civilians and deported children.
On 29 September, as a conference in Toronto wrapped up, around fifty countries and several international organisations signed the "Toronto Pledge". Its signatories call for the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and children taken by Russia. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced the pledge. Volunteers Support Ukraine welcomes every step that brings people closer to coming home.
Signatories include Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as the Council of Europe and the European Union. The text condemns the forced militarisation of Ukrainian children in occupied territories, saying it seriously harms their identity, well-being, family unity, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia; Ukrainian officials say 2,650 have been brought back. Norway's State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson called Russia's treatment of Ukrainians "a systemic challenge" that needs a coordinated global response. Anand pointed to new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and to third-country intermediaries as ways to close remaining gaps.
This was the second international gathering devoted to returning Ukrainians from captivity. NGO Volunteers Support Ukraine continues to help people affected by the war within its means.
