Canada to co-host conference on returning Ukrainian kids, detainees

WORLD Canada to co-host conference on returning Ukrainian kids, detainees By Prisha Dev Global News Posted September 12, 2026 6:41 pm 3 min read WATCH: Canada, Ukraine strengthen alliance with 100-year cooperation deal. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Canada will co-host an international conference in Toronto later this month aimed at securing the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war held by Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced Saturday that Canada, Ukraine and Norway will host the two-day conference on Sept. 28 and 29. The event, called Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, will bring together foreign ministers, senior government representatives and international organizations. “Canada, Ukraine and Norway are convening the conference to strengthen international support for efforts to bring people home, protect those who remain under Russian control and ensure that those who return can access rehabilitation and reintegration services,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement. Ukrainian authorities have documented 20,651 cases of possible unlawful deportation or forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia, according to the federal government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT So far, 2,573 children have been returned from deportation, forcible transfer and temporarily occupied territories. As of June, Ukraine’s parliamentary commissioner for human rights had confirmed 1,878 civilians were being unlawfully detained by Russia. Global Affairs Canada said the true number could be significantly higher, with some civil society organizations estimating that as many as 20,000 civilians could be detained. Ukraine does not disclose the exact number of its prisoners of war being held by Russia. Get daily Montreal news Get daily Montreal news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. SIGN UP FOR DAILY MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. As of August, 9,529 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians had been returned from Russian captivity, according to Global Affairs Canada. Participants in Toronto will discuss ways to…