Maka Botchorishvili: “We know the pain of displacement, separation from families and communities torn apart“

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, participated in the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War  held in Toronto.

In her address, the Minister highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war against Ukraine and noted that the impact of the war extends far beyond the battlefield.

According to the Minister, the consequences of the war are not limited to the loss of human life and damage caused by the destruction of infrastructure; they also entail grave humanitarian consequences that require the attention of the international community.

“The war against Ukraine continues to cause immense suffering to civilians, with consequences extending far beyond the battlefield. The situation of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war requires our continued and collective attention,” noted Maka Botchorishvili.

In this context, Maka Botchorishvili also spoke about Georgia’s own experience, noting that the consequences of occupation and conflict are all too familiar to Georgia.

“Our own experience of conflict and occupation has shown us the long-term humanitarian consequences of war.  Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s two regions has left hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes, while denying them the fundamental right to return safely, voluntarily, and with dignity. We know the pain of displacement, separation from families, and communities torn apart,“ stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

Furthermore, Maka Botchorishvili once again reaffirmed Georgia’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that Georgia supports international efforts aimed at achieving peace, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. According to Minister Botchorishvili, peace must go hand in hand with respect for human rights and humanitarian principles.

“Georgia will continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people, in support of international law, human dignity, and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” underscored the Minister. 

Maka Botchorishvili thanked the Government of Canada and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand for organizing the event.