UCRN together with the NGO “Pluriton” managed to take 18-year-old Marina out of Russia

After the occupation of her hometown in 2014, Marina moved to Russia with her parents.

As a teenager, she decided that she wanted to live with her grandfather in Ukraine. Her parents, who had pro-Russian views, did not support her decision.

Upon reaching the age of majority, Maryna began to plan her return to Ukraine on her own: she got a job to raise money for the trip. When her parents learned about her plans, they prevented her from leaving and kept her in the apartment against her will for some time.

Despite all the obstacles, the girl contacted the NGO “Pluriton”, which, together with the UMD team, helped to organize a safe route for her. Yesterday Maryna returned to Ukraine and for the first time in 10 years was able to hug her grandfather.

In the future, a team of case managers and psychologists from the Ukrainian Child Rights Network will work with Maryna to provide her with comprehensive support.

*Name changed for security reasons.

The returns take place within the framework of Bring Kids Back UA.

The Ukrainian Child Rights Network (UCRN) in partnership with SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland e.V. is implementing the project of return and support for deported children and youth “The Way Home: A New Route”.