International Conference in Toronto Concludes with Pledge to Return Detained Ukrainians and Support Reintegration

Representatives from 54 countries and international organizations endorsed the Toronto Pledge following the conclusion of the "Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War" held in Toronto, Ontario, on September 28 and 29, 2026. The event was co-hosted by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Denys Uliutin, and Norwegian State Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs Eivind Vad Petersson.

The Toronto Pledge establishes collective commitments aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children, unlawfully detained civilians, and prisoners of war, as well as providing support systems for their reintegration.

During the conference, Minister Anand detailed the allocation of previously announced Canadian funding totaling $6 million, alongside new financial commitments. The $6 million allocation includes:

– $3 million to assist Hala Systems, Save Ukraine, and Ukrainian government bodies in identifying risks, preventing the deportation, indoctrination, militarization, and recruitment of Ukrainian children, and conducting protection interventions.
– $1 million to expand an existing initiative with the German Marshall Fund to support Ukrainian civil society advocacy and assistance programs.
– $2 million directed to UNICEF to assist in creating a dedicated state reintegration service for returned children.

Additionally, Anand announced $863,000 in new funding allocations. This includes $500,000 to assist male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence—specifically targeting former prisoners of war and returned civilian detainees—and $363,000 distributed among Canada Fund for Local Initiatives projects to assist community-based recovery programs.

Canada also reiterated its commitment to collaborate with Ukraine on a multi-donor pooled fund to support Ukraine's National Veteran Strategy.

The Canadian government referenced its September 10, 2026, implementation of sanctions against eight individuals linked to the deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, stating its ongoing intent to pursue accountability under international humanitarian law.

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