A report by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) sees the abduction of Ukrainian children in Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine or in Russia as a practice that violates international humanitarian law. “Some cases amount to serious violations of the Geneva Convention and war crimes,” the report, published Thursday, said.
For the three experts, Veronika Bílková from the Czech Republic, Cecilie Hellestveit from Norway and Elīna Šteinerte, there was no doubt that since February 24, 2022, a large number of Ukrainian children had been taken to temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine or to Russia. This was usually justified with security issues, adoption or foster care, and residence in holiday camps.
Ukrainian children are drilled against their homeland
“Regardless of their placement, Ukrainian children would be in an all-Russian environment, including language, customs and religion,” says the report, prepared by experts on behalf of 45 of the 57 OSCE member states. In addition, these children would be subjected to Russian education campaigns, which in many cases can be classified as re-education, and would be subjected to military training.
‘No active steps from Russia for the return of children’
In addition, the Russian Federation is not taking active steps for the return of Ukrainian children and is putting up obstacles for families trying to get their children back, the experts noted. The latter contradicts the principles of the Geneva Conventions. While international humanitarian law does not provide for specific accountability mechanisms, numerous international institutions are already addressing the situation in Ukraine.
Arrest warrant against Putin
Criminal proceedings would also be pending in courts in Ukraine and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the experts explained. On March 17, the latter issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belowa in connection with the deportation of Ukrainian children.
Source: Krone
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