The Ukrainian Community Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, hosted a Ukrainian-American community press conference dedicated to one of the most tragic crimes of the Russian war: the abduction of Ukrainian children. During the event, issues related to searching for and rehabilitating the children, as well as ensuring fair justice, were discussed. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar attended the event and expressed her support for the Ukrainian community in their efforts to return children taken to Russia during the war.
This was reported by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA).
At the event, Senator Klobuchar presented Senate Bill No. 2119, which was initiated by the local Ukrainian-American community. Co-authored with Senator Chuck Grassley, the document aims to address the global issue of Russian aggression regarding the abduction of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories.
Specifically, the bill provides support for investigating and tracking abducted and missing Ukrainian children in occupied territories, assisting and rehabilitating children who have been returned, and ensuring justice by cooperating with Ukrainian prosecutors on war crimes cases and providing legal support.
Attendees included Maria Doan, president of UNWLA Chapter 148; Dmytro Blyshchak, president of the Ukrainian-American Community Center; and Iryna Borbol, family education mentor. They all spoke about the trauma experienced by Ukrainian families and the strength and dignity of the Ukrainian people.
"Supporting bills such as Senate Bill 2119 and national campaigns such as 'Children Praying for Children' is an important part of the UNWLA's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Through advocacy, education, and community mobilization, we continue to amplify the voices of Americans of Ukrainian descent who are urging the U.S. government to remain committed to Ukraine and ensure the safe return of every child. This bill is an important step in supporting Ukraine's efforts to bring its children home and hold Russian aggressors accountable," said the UNWLA.
The UNWLA also called on the public to support the bill by asking senators to become its co-authors. The organization particularly urges people to call their representatives in Congress using the suggested text of the appeal, which can be found link.
Photo: UNWLA
Author: Inna Mikhno