Kyiv independent investigated the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied Mariupol. The investigative journalists tracked down 31 children abducted by Russia as well as people and organizations involved in their abduction. Personal stories of families separated by this crime were accompanied by comments of the experts, illustrating the systematic nature of Russian abductions through personal lenses of people affected by it. By the end of the documentary viewers know the answers to the most frequently asked questions: How many children did Russia steal? How does Russia conduct abductions? Why can't parents just go to Russia and retrieve their children? and many more.
Good: for people who are new to the issue and are looking for a concise overview of the systematic nature of the crime as well as personal stories.
Feel free: to watch the full documentary on YouTube and organize in-district screenings and panels on the issue in your community.
Ukrainian director Tetiana Khodakivska partners with Ukrainian artist Alevtina Kakhisze to create "Blue Sweater, Yellow Hole" — a documentary exploring the experiences of Ukrainian children who were held in Russian "re-education" camps. The film uses animation to depict their memories of the camps, focusing on the psychological impact of propaganda, isolation, and military training. The film also delves into the broader issue of identity alteration and the manipulation of information. The film is scheduled to be released in 2026.
Feel free: to follow the documentary on Instagram and invite its creators to the events about abduction of children.
A group of Ukrainian families who have been affected by Russian policy of child abductions and family separation visit a healing therapy retreat near the Baltic Sea. Guided by skilled and sensitive counselors children unravel the horrific details of their experience in the Russian captivity while their parents share the struggles they had to endure to return the children. A scenic nature backdrop provides cushioning to the difficult stories children share. The movie focuses on the impact that Russian abductions have on children and their mental health rather than the details of the crime itself. It is a story of hope, resilience and healing.
Good: for people interested in the issue but who are not ready to immerse completely in the details behind it. May be especially interesting to professionals in mental health and child welfare.
Feel free: to request permission to screen the documentary in your community on their website.
During this webinar organized by the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues of Georgetown University, participants from Ukrainian and American civil society and governmental agencies examine the situation with abducted children in Ukraine, provide historical context, and discuss the response. Ukrainian organizations engaged in frontline response share their perspectives, and participants consider how the international community can support family tracing and reunification.
This discussion organized by the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues of Georgetown University is centered around new solutions Ukraine is implementing to save abducted children in times when traditional mechanisms and the system of international law fail to deliver, and how the US can assist and what it can learn from Ukraine's experience.
This panel during the US-Ukraine conference is focused on how the US, specifically political circles in Washington, DC, can help Ukraine and its abducted children – from advocacy to humanitarian support. Participants share their experience of raising awareness, lobbying and providing assistance to the victims.
This conversation is focused on how the issue of abducted children and those under occupation should be handled during potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and what negotiators should keep in mind when it comes to children. Participants share success stories of returning children to Ukraine and in other conflicts, and discuss how the American government should respond to this crisis.
Children Praying for Children is an annual advocacy campaign launched by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) in 2024 to raise awareness about the illegal abduction of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories by russian authorities. For those purposes, the UNWLA wrote a non-denominational prayer that we invite you to take to your church and community.
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