Opening remarks by the Permanent Representative of Russia

to the UN Office and Other International organizations in Geneva H.E. Mr. Gennady Gatilov

at the online side event on the margins of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council

 "Repatriation, Reintegration and Resocialization of Children Repatriated from Conflict Zones"

(Geneva, 11 March 2021)

Excellencies,

Special Rapporteur,

Children’s Rights Commissioner,

Dear Participants,

Thank you for your interest in the today’s discussion.

I am honoured to open this side event which is organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations in Geneva and the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations in Geneva.

We have decided to focus today’s discussion on an issue of paramount importance – the protection of the rights of children repatriated from conflict zones, particularly their rehabilitation, reintegration and resocialization.

I regret to note that hostilities in various countries around the world have resulted in children – members of families of fighters or terrorists – facing brutal violence and finding themselves in dire humanitarian circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic further negatively impacts these children as it prevents their repatriation and reunification with family members.

There is no doubt that States should protect the human rights of children under international law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. With regard to armed conflicts, States have a duty to repatriate their nationals and to take steps to prevent children of their nationals from becoming stateless. States should assume the primary responsibility of protecting these children and ensuring their safe return home. We need to treat children as children, not as terrorists. The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration.

The future of children repatriated from conflict zones are crucial aspects of today’s international agenda. I would like to acknowledge Professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain’s personal engagement in this process.

Let me underline that the Russian Federation as well as other countries make meaningful efforts in this regard. Ms. Anna Kuznetsova, Children's Rights Commissioner for the President of the Russian Federation, has done enormous work in searching for, identifying, repatriating and rehabilitating children from Iraqi and Syrian camps.

This experience has generated valuable lessons, which may be useful to other States that have already repatriated, or are committed to repatriating, their nationals, or are addressing the situation of individuals who have returned on their own. We believe such examples should serve as an inspiration for other States.

I am sure this meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss difficulties and challenges of the process of repatriating, reintegrating and resocializing children, possible ways of strengthening international cooperation in this field as well as what can be done, including by the United Nations Human Rights Council, in fostering progress to that end.

I wish all the participants an interesting and fruitful discussion.