Despite the escalating war situation, 52 Ukrainian orphans have to be returned to their home country from Burgenland on Sunday evening on Sunday evening. The return causes criticism: Land Burgenland, accommodation provider Senecura and the UNHCR insist on a later trip home.
The suitcases are packed, the buses are ready. Many open questions are left behind. Why do 52 orphans have to go back to Ukraine, even though the rockets fly there? Why this hurry? Why not diplomatic control?
On Sunday, at 3 p.m., the boys and girls and their supervisors have to be brought back home. According to information from the facility, the buses are loaded on Saturday afternoon. “I also trust Ukraine that they are driving away earlier,” fears the escalating war situation. The return was arranged by the Ukrainian side, confirmed by the local authorities and is now causing horror.
The UNHCR criticizes sharply, including the operator of the accommodation, the Senecura group, talks about an “incomprehensible step”.
Profession of Deutschkeutz: I have families who would take children
Manfred Kölly, the Municipal Council in Deutschkeutz, even offers quarters in his community. “We would have families who would take the children,” he says. He also argues to leave the orphans in Burgenland for the time being. “I appeal to everyone who is responsible for giving priority to the rights of children and leaving the children for at least six months.”
Land sends a letter to a message
The state of Burgenland is also committed to moving the return and insists on a diplomatic solution. The facility of Burgenland has been managed as a base office since 2022 and is financed by the federal and national governments. According to the state government, all available information about the safety and circumstances of the trip home have been obtained.
However, the judicial withdrawal of the detention is not possible from the perspective of the country. The message is clear: the decision is not in Austrian hands. Should Ukraine send and postpone the return, “the children are still welcome in Burgenland.”
Senecura Vecht in vain
Senecura Managing Director Anton Kellner also responds with regret: “We wanted to offer these children a safe home of war and suffering.” But conversations with the responsible authorities remained without results. A complaint was not even successful. “Why now?” Kellner asks. Because while the Kirowohrad region was still fairly stable at the time of evacuation, the war is raging there today with new strength.
UNHCR: “Not voluntary? Then illegal!”
In clear words, the UN refugee agency UNHCR refers to international law: “A return to a war zone can only be performed on a voluntary basis and after careful children’s welfare.” In this case the question is whether there is even voluntary.
However, it bubbles violently behind the scenes: the return of the children must be politically used on the Ukrainian side. As a symbolic step to indicate the population that the country is considered safe and stable despite the constant struggle, insiders suspect.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
