Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner and UNHCR Representative in the RF held their first meeting in Moscow © Press Office of Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights
On 17 October, a working meeting between Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the President of the Russian Federation, and Karim Atassi, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Russian Federation, was held in Moscow.
It was the first meeting between the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and the UNHCR office in Moscow.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the situation of unaccompanied and separated children as well as children formerly from childcare institutions in Eastern Ukraine, who are now in the territory of the Russian Federation.
Among other issues, the need for family tracing and re-establishment of family links was discussed. The Commissioner for Children’s Rights briefed about the provision of social support and placement procedures in families and family centres currently in place for these children.
UNHCR offered to share information on international standards concerning Best Interests Determination procedures for children and asked to visit some of the children and their foster families.
The Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights and UNHCR have agreed to start exchanging information and explore ways to assist these children with full respect of their Best Interests, in coordination with other relevant international organizations.
