Return every child

Children are being ripped from their homes and taken deep into Russia. Their names stripped away. Their identities erased. Their families left fighting to find them.

This is not just a tragedy, it is a crime. The largest forced child transfer since the Cold War. A blatant breach of international law. Perhaps a war crime in plain sight.

These children are at risk of abuse, forced assimilation, and even military recruitment. Their childhoods destroyed. Their futures stolen.

We cannot stay silent. We cannot look away.

There are 3 ways you can get involved with Return Every Child: 

1. Attend the installation 
2. Sign our petition
3. Read our report

Sign our petition

Petition Text to Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Dear Prime Minister, 

I am deeply concerned about thousands of Ukrainian children who have been torn from their homes and families, and forcibly taken to Russia since the start of this conflict. 

 Once taken, many children are being are being tortured, sexually abused, put to work and forced into adoption, amongst other horrific abuses.  This is one of the most serious crimes against children happening in the world today. 

For these children, every day away from their homes and families puts them at even greater risk of deep, psychological trauma – we must act quickly to secure their return now. 

Worryingly, there are also a further 600,000 Ukrainian children living under occupation, who are currently in danger of being taken to Russia, or enrolled into the Russian military.  

No child should be ripped from everything they know and forced to live in terror. 

We urge you Prime Minister, to use your power and influence to do everything you can, before it's too late. 

We ask you to: 

• Bring Ukrainian children home: Work tirelessly through all available diplomatic channels to rescue Ukrainian children who have been taken from their families, and return them safely to where they belong. 
• Ensure children remain safe: Create safe ways for Ukrainian children who escape or are rescued to access protection, reunite with loved ones, and rebuild their lives.
• Help heal their trauma: Provide specialised mental health care for children who have endured the horror of being ripped away from everything they know and love, and who may struggle to remember who they are. 
• Bring those responsible to justice: Support international efforts to hold accountable the people who are stealing children from their families and erasing their identities. 

Children didn't start this war, and it is imperative that the UK Government plays it’s important role in ensuring children’s rights are prioritised and protected, whatever that takes. 

War Child and other organisations stand ready to work with you and the UK Government in this vital task. 

Yours sincerely,