Ukraine has already repatriated 2,048 deported children, while hundreds of thousands remain in Russia — Lubinets
As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, Ukraine has already managed to bring back 2,048 children from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia.
This was reported by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to him, with the assistance of the Ombudsman’s Office, 424 children were successfully returned from this number.
Lubinec noted that the deportation of Ukrainian children has been ongoing since 2014, and the turning point was the International Criminal Court’s decision in March 2023 to issue arrest warrants for Russian leadership for this crime.
He also noted that the European Court of Human Rights, in the case “Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia,” recognized the absence of any legal grounds for the removal of Ukrainian children.
Furthermore, a UN international commission classified the deportation and forced displacement of Ukrainian children as crimes against humanity.
At the same time, according to the ombudsman, the problem remains widespread.
“Hundreds of thousands of children remain in Russia’s hands: separated from their families, under constant pressure,” he emphasized.
Lubinec called on international partners to increase pressure on Russia and join efforts to return Ukrainian children, as well as to help bring those responsible to justice.
He stressed that the return of children must remain a priority, as this is not only a matter of law but also of humanity and justice.
As a reminder, Ukrainehas repatriated over 6,000 people from Russian captivity, including 409 civilians.
Russian prisoners of war have appealed to dictator Putin.
