Preparations Underway for Return of Ukrainian Children

In Burgenland, Austria, preparations are in full swing for the return of 52 orphaned and foster children from Ukraine to their homeland. Since March 2022, these children have been accommodated in Burgauberg-Neudauberg, following the outbreak of the Russian invasion. They are scheduled to embark on their journey back home on Sunday night.

The Senecura Group, responsible for the facility where the children have been staying, confirmed that the operation is set to proceed as planned. A meeting with a representative from the Ukrainian embassy is expected to take place on Saturday afternoon to discuss the details of the return. The departure is planned for 3:00 AM on Sunday.

Despite the logistical arrangements, there is uncertainty regarding the decision to return the children. Officials from Senecura expressed their lack of understanding about the decision, emphasizing that they have no control over the process. Meanwhile, Pascale Vayer from the organization 'Kleine Herzen,' which has been overseeing the children's care, expressed concerns about the return, stating, 'It's over.'

Among the group of children, a third have disabilities, and they will be transported by three buses before continuing their journey by train to Kropiwnitskij, a region that has reportedly experienced attacks.

The decision to return the children has faced criticism in recent days, including from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In response to inquiries, the Burgenland government clarified that the responsibility for the orphaned and foster children had always rested with the head of the Ukrainian institution. This facility is categorized as a primary care institution and receives financial support from both state and federal governments.

The head of the institution made the decision to repatriate the children in coordination with Ukrainian authorities. The Burgenland government emphasized that it has gathered information regarding the quality, safety, and circumstances surrounding the return process, which must be acknowledged. From the government's perspective, withdrawing custody is not considered a viable option.