The UN commission has called on the Russian Federation to stop deporting Ukrainian children

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has issued a damning indictment against Russia, urging an immediate cessation of the forced removal of children from Ukraine. Voice of America reports that the committee's latest findings underscore a dire situation requiring urgent attention.

Russia Urged to Cease Forced Export of Children from Ukraine

In a sternly worded report, experts from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child have called on Russia to halt its practice of forcibly exporting or deporting children from the occupied territories of Ukraine. The report demands transparency from the Russian Federation, insisting on the disclosure of the exact number of children taken from Ukraine and the swift facilitation of their return home.

The committee's findings highlight Russia's violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by stripping deported children of their Ukrainian citizenship. This action underscores a blatant disregard for international law and human rights standards.

Bragi Gudbrandson, a member of the UN Human Rights Committee, expressed grave concerns over reports of sexual exploitation and gender-based violence in Ukraine, Crimea, and Sevastopol, areas currently under Russian occupation. The committee emphasizes the urgent need for intervention to address these egregious violations of children's rights.

Allegations of War Crimes

Gudbrandson highlighted accusations of war crimes directed at the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights, raising serious doubts about Russia's commitment to upholding international norms and protecting children in conflict zones.

The committee underscored the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence, including abuse and neglect. Urgent measures are needed to ensure that children are provided with appropriate support and intervention to prevent further victimization.

The UN expressed deep concern over the politicization and militarization of schools, emphasizing the need for education systems to promote values of peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding. Attempts to rewrite school curricula to serve military-political agendas are condemned as detrimental to the well-being of children.

Violation of Children's Rights in Ukraine

During discussions on Ukraine, the Russian Federation faced severe criticism for violating children's rights, including the killing and injury of hundreds of children due to indiscriminate attacks. The forced displacement and deportation of children from Ukraine were also condemned as grave violations of human rights.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child emphasized the importance of ensuring access to education for all children, including those belonging to ethnic groups and indigenous communities in Crimea. Education in the Ukrainian language must be made available to promote cultural diversity and inclusion.