Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko participated in the panel discussion titled “The Role of Temporarily Occupied Crimea in the Illegal Militarization, Indoctrination, and Deportation of Ukrainian Children: Scale, Mechanisms, Consequences.” The discussion took place within the framework of the forum Artek in the 21st Century: Innovation, Experience, Prospects, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Children’s Center Artek.

The panel discussion also featured Olha Pirohova, Prosecutor for the Protection of Children’s Interests, Combating Domestic Violence, and Safeguarding Human Rights in the Law Enforcement and Penitentiary Spheres of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as Mariia Suliialina, Head of the Center for Civic Education Almenda.

In her opening remarks, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko welcomed all members of the Artek community and expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who shapes, supports, and develops the Artek environment — educators, leadership, children, and alumni. She emphasized the importance of the values upheld by this community, despite the difficult circumstances of war and the occupation of the peninsula.

As part of the thematic discussion, the Permanent Representative outlined the key challenges associated with the transformation of the educational environment in the temporarily occupied territory. She emphasized that over the 11 years of occupation, an entire generation of children in Crimea has completed their education under programs imposed by the Russian Federation. Olha Kuryshko focused particular attention on the militarization and indoctrination of children by the occupying administration in Crimea, including at the seized Artek camp, highlighting propaganda efforts targeting children — particularly those relocated from newly occupied territories. She noted the existence of a simplified adoption procedure in Crimea, as well as documented cases of identity document changes for children. At the same time, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of supporting the relocated Artek camp on Ukraine-controlled territory, which serves as a space for fostering anti-colonial and educational perspectives on Crimea and preserving its memory for the younger generation.

“We support Artek’s work, the development of academic projects and educational programs, because children need to learn about Crimea — its value, why it matters to Ukraine, and why it is an inseparable part not only of our territory, but of our entire identity,” emphasized Olha Kuryshko.

The initiative Letters to a Free Crimea was part of the event marking the 100th anniversary of the International Children’s Center Artek, the legendary camp in Hurzuf, which is currently under occupation.

During the forum, everyone had the opportunity to write a letter of support to Crimean political prisoners — our citizens who are currently unlawfully held in Russian prisons. However, this initiative was not the only one: the venue also hosted other activities aimed at supporting Crimeans and rethinking the future of the peninsula.