Russia deported 19 549 children from occupied territories — General Prosecutor's Office

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Russia deported a staggering number of 19,549 children from several occupied territories in Ukraine. The harrowing incident, which has sparked outrage and concern, involves the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia oblasts, regions that have been under Russian occupation.

Yanina Tertychna, the head of the Department for the Protection of Children's Interests and Counteracting Violence at the General Prosecutor's Office, made this disturbing disclosure during a telethon. The Ukrainian authorities are currently verifying the information regarding the alleged kidnapping and deportation of these innocent children.

The children who were targeted in this heart-wrenching operation were reportedly from the age of one until they reached adulthood at 18 years old. The act of forcefully relocating thousands of children from their homes has raised serious concerns about their safety, well-being, and overall human rights.

International Outcry and Calls for Justice

The international community has reacted with deep concern and condemnation over this mass deportation. Human rights organizations and child welfare advocates have called for a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

The deportation of children from conflict zones and occupied territories is a violation of several international conventions and treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention explicitly outlines that children have the right to protection from violence, exploitation, and forced displacement during times of conflict.

While the full scale and scope of this troubling incident are still being investigated, it is clear that the safety and well-being of these children must be given utmost priority. Humanitarian organizations and neighboring countries have offered their support to Ukraine to ensure the affected children receive the necessary care and assistance during these challenging times. The situation demands urgent attention from the international community to hold those responsible for such heinous acts accountable. Diplomatic channels will undoubtedly play a crucial role in addressing this grave issue and taking measures to prevent such atrocities in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, the world waits in anticipation for more information to shed light on the fate of the 19,549 children deported from occupied Ukrainian territories. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerable position children are often placed in during times of conflict, emphasizing the need for greater protection and support for those caught in the crossfire of territorial disputes.