<
https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraine-is-building-a-system-of-returning-reintegrating-and-protecting-children-abducted-by-russia/>
"Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, one of its most disturbing and least
visible crimes has targeted Ukraine’s most vulnerable: our children. Under
occupation, Russia has orchestrated the forced transfer of thousands of
Ukrainian children into Russia or Russian-controlled territories. There, they
face illegal adoption, involuntary Russian citizenship, and aggressive
assimilation designed to sever their ties to Ukraine.
This is not a humanitarian crisis — it is a war crime. And the world has
recognized it as such. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued
arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner
Maria Lvova-Belova, citing the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. For
the first time since WWII, a sitting head of state has been indicted for crimes
against children.
The ICC concluded that these removals were deliberate and centrally organized.
Russian authorities once openly celebrated the “adoption” of Ukrainian children
in propaganda campaigns. Even after international scrutiny, the practice
continues in violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Ukraine has chosen a different path — one grounded in law, humanity, and
dignity. We launched the Presidential Initiative, Bring Kids Back UA, to return
and reintegrate children forcibly taken by Russia. It brings together
government ministries, civil society, and international partners to act in each
child’s best interests. And in May 2024, Ukraine formalized this effort through
Resolution No. 551, which established a national mechanism to identify, return,
and protect abducted children."
Via Mark Lansbury and Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
