Open letter for the protection of Ukrainian children in Austria who have been living in Neudauberg since the end of March 2022

We, the members of kleine herzen, express our deep concern about the decisions to return Ukrainian children on 1 June 2025 who are currently living in Neudauberg, Austria, in the SeneCura hotel.

These children, displaced by war, have found refuge in a safe, stable, and caring environment. Many of them suffer from severe trauma, mental health disorders, or disabilities and require specialized care, which is provided in Austria.

Their forced return to a country currently still at war, without clear guarantees for their care and safety, poses a direct threat to their well-being, mental health and future.

We recognize Ukraine's right to protect its citizens and rebuild its child protection system. However, we strongly emphasize that the best interests of the child must prevail over any administrative or political logic.

We guarantee to fully support the return of the children as soon as a safe life can be guaranteed locally in Ukraine.

We therefore demand an immediate halt to this repatriation. These children must not be the silent victims of a war that has already destroyed so many lives.