More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the plight of over 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia remains dire. Families were torn apart as occupation forces seized control of childcare institutions,leading to unlawful transfers that violate international humanitarian law.
Russian officials have claimed these actions were humanitarian evacuations,asserting they “saved” children from danger. However, investigations have revealed that many transfers occurred without the consent of parents or legal guardians, breaching established legal norms. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits forcible transfer of protected individuals from occupied territories,except under specific conditions aimed at ensuring safety.
Today,the consequences of these actions are evident. Thousands of Ukrainian children are trapped in a system that not only separates them from their families but also subjects them to indoctrination and military training. Ukraine has been relentless in its efforts to reclaim these children, with families, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),and the government working tirelessly to facilitate their return.
One poignant example is the case of Lesya, a 15-year-old girl who was forcibly evacuated from her village in Kherson in 2022. After being relocated to rehabilitation center in Crimea,she endured a strict regime that included military training and indoctrination. Fortunately,with the help of the NGO Save Ukraine,she was eventually reunited with her mother. Yet, her story is an exception; only about 2,000 children have been returned through similar efforts.
International pressure has mounted,with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children . The European Court of Human Rights has also held Russia accountable for human rights violations, demanding cooperation in establishing mechanisms for the safe return of these children.
In March 2023, a United Nations report classified Russia's actions as crimes against humanity,identifying the systematic removal of children as part of a broader policy orchestrated at the highest levels of the Russian government. The European Union and several other countries have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in these actions, but situation remains critical.
Families desperate to reunite with their children have resorted to risky missions, often facilitated by NGOs. Such measures should not be necessary. Under international law,Russia is obligated to identify and register the Ukrainian children in its custody and facilitate their return. Yet, as negotiations for peace stall, the issue of these abducted children risks fading from global attention .
To address this crisis, several steps are essential. First, a comprehensive tracing mechanism must be established to track the whereabouts of abducted children and prevent their integration into foreign care systems. Second,legal actions against Russian officials involved in these abductions should be intensified, utilizing universal jurisdiction principles and coordinated investigations supported by Eurojust,the EU’s judicial agency.
Finally,countries must enforce existing sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia more rigorously. While sanctions have impacted the Russian economy,consistent enforcement is necessary to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
The stories of children reunited with their families are uplifting but represent only a fraction of those still separated. The issue of returning Ukrainian children cannot be sidelined as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Each day that passes deepens trauma of separation and erodes their national identity. Children belong with their families, and Ukrainian children deserve to reclaim this fundamental right now, not later.
