Ukraine, the repatriation of minors and the risks related to their protection in sending them back to a country at war

ROMA – L’UNHCRthe UN Refugee Agency, notes the decision of the Juvenile Court of Brescia to authorize the repatriation of over 60 Ukrainian minors hosted in Rota d’Imagna, Bedulita and Pontida for over two years. However, it expresses concern for the possible needs and risks of international protection of the group that will be sent back to an invaded and war-torn country. In July 2023 UNHCR has released a position paper on the voluntary repatriation to Ukraine of refugee girls and boys without parental care, including unaccompanied minors and children evacuated from care institutions in Ukraine. The document, shared with all Italian juvenile courts, provides the protection guarantees that should be in place in any process of voluntary return to Ukraine, and underlines the need to ensure that children are fully informed and that decisions are always taken after consulting the children concerned, in full compliance with international conventions and based on the determination of their best interests.

Dangerous repatriations. All this is in line with the UNHCR general position on voluntary returns to Ukraine, published in June 2023, which recognizes that, while some people have chosen to return home, it is essential that such decisions are well-informed and taken voluntarily, given that a large-scale war is ongoing, and that UNHCR does not promote or facilitate returns to Ukraine. Many of the children in this group also have specific needs and are currently receiving specialized care and services in Italy. “It is therefore important to carefully consider the availability of these services upon return to Ukraine to ensure continuity of assistance,” the UNHCR document emphasizes. Ukraine is still a country at war, where the danger of military attacks is constant and continuous, including against the civilian population, energy sources are rationed or absent, infrastructure is damaged, and the health system is on its knees.

The positive integration that has taken place in Italy. Finally, UNHCR positively recognizes the level of integration achieved in the territory in two years by the children – around whom a support network has formed by the local community and civil society, thanks to which the children have undertaken a path of school and extra-school, care and social relations. The commitment of the community and civil society has been fundamental in providing a supportive environment that fosters the well-being and development of the children until their safe return to Ukraine.