The Coordinator-General participated in the Holy Mass of the Nativity of the Cross at the Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Mass was conducted in Polish.
After the Mass, the Coordinator-General was afforded the opportunity to engage in conversation with the families and acquaintances of Ukrainian individuals who are currently incarcerated in Russian prisons.
Communication was also helpful with family members of those reported missing by the national authorities of Ukraine.
Despite the contentious debate among the attendees of the meeting, the Coordinator-General (knowing well the inner “kitchen” of human rights work, which for the most part are inaccessible to public discussion) expressed admiration for the accomplishments of the present Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. Simultaneously, it is imperative to emphasize the complete absence of personal PR elements in the Commissioner’s work regarding the fate of individuals. It is beyond admiration and respect for this man.
The Coordinator-General expressed his most profound appreciation to the Holy See for its involvement in humanitarian issues related to the return of Ukrainians to their homes.
Words of gratitude were also expressed to ICRC’s Central Tracing Agency Bureau for the International Armed Conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine (CTA Bureau) Geneva.
Earlier, individuals congregated at Castle Square, in the heart of Warsaw, to remember the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
For Reference:
Direct quote: Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights:
As of today, it has been confirmed that 28 thousand Ukrainian citizens are being held captive by the Russian Federation.
There are now over 19 540 officially confirmed deported Ukrainian children. If we bring back one kid every day, we need 55 years.
EN