Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Russia’s removal of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homes and efforts to erase their Ukrainian identity are “elements of genocide” and that Russia should be held accountable.
Trudeau refrained from using the term when asked about allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
“Regardless of what particular individuals or particular countries around the world may think about the causes of this war or about Russia’s responsibility, I think we can all agree that taking children away from their families and trying to erase their language and culture are elements of genocide,” Trudeau told reporters Sunday morning. “This is pure colonialism. These are things that Russia should be held responsible for.”
Trudeau made the remarks at a world summit aimed at finding a way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, which more than 90 countries are attending this weekend.
Prime Minister Trudeau co-chaired, with Norway, a session on the human dimensions of war, including prisoners of war, civilian detainees and deported children.
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With Russia not attending the summit, the meeting in Switzerland is widely seen as a symbolic effort by Kiev to rally the international community to Ukraine’s cause.
Delegates were forced to walk a tricky tightrope, with many accusing Russia of violating international law while also leaving room for Moscow to take part in future peace talks that could end the conflict.
Several leaders at the summit also stressed the importance of upholding international law everywhere in the world.
Speaking at the opening plenary session on Saturday, Chilean President Gabriel Boric drew parallels between the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
“We strongly believe that this situation is a serious violation of international law and human rights and we have to say that the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip is also ignoring these principles,” he said.
As the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, Trudeau has refrained from using the term to describe the situation in Gaza.
“We continue to monitor developments in our international institutions,” he said. “We continue to… [International Criminal Court] and the ICJ. Canada upholds and will continue to uphold international law.”
Earlier this month, Spain became the first European country to ask a UN court for permission to join a South African lawsuit condemning Israeli genocide in Gaza.
“The UN Charter, including the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will be the basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” the participants in the Ukraine summit said in a draft statement published by Reuters.
Participants also said food security should not be weaponized, all prisoners of war must be released in a full exchange, and all deported children must be returned to Ukraine.
They also acknowledged that “achieving peace requires engagement and dialogue among all parties.”
In February, a UN committee concluded there was evidence of Russia forcibly deporting Ukrainian children.
The committee cited Ukrainian government figures to say around 20,000 children had been removed from their homes, but committee deputy chairman Bragi Gudbrandsson added that it was difficult to pin down exact figures.
“Russia has denied such actions,” he said. The committee also expressed concern that deported Ukrainian children would be given Russian citizenship.
Trudeau will return to Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, concluding a five-day international visit that includes the G7 summit in Italy.
