The United Nations has confirmed the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine regarding the deportation and transfer of 1,205 children from Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine. The Commission, created in 2022 by a UN Human Rights Council resolution, has determined that these actions constitute crimes against humanity. The Commissioners, comprising a judge, lawyer, and an academic, operate independently from the UN and do not receive compensation for their roles.
Commissioner Pablo de Greiff revealed in a press conference that Russian authorities committed crimes against humanity by deporting children to Russia or forcibly transferring them to occupied territories in Ukraine. Furthermore, they carried out enforced disappearances by withholding critical information from the children’s families and committed a war crime by delaying the repatriation of these children. The Commission emphasizes that international humanitarian law mandates that civilian evacuations should only be temporary and for compelling reasons, such as health, medical treatment, or safety. More details are reported in JURIST.
Despite Russian assertions that the relocations were for humanitarian purposes, the Commission found a stark contrast, noting that four years later, 80 percent of these children have not returned. Testimonies from parents highlight the turmoil they face; one mother expressed despair about the prolonged separation from her daughter and fears about the perception of Ukrainians in Russia. Another mother recounted her attempts to locate her son through hotline calls, only to be met with silence.
Of the 20 percent of children who have returned, some accounts reveal mistreatment, including inadequate medical care and nutrition. Tragically, one adolescent took his own life after returning home. Despite submitting 39 requests to Russian authorities for information, the Commission has yet to receive any responses.
The Commission urges Russia to halt deportations and provide comprehensive information on missing children. It calls for “unimpeded access” for organizations to verify the status of these children and recommends international collaboration to facilitate their return and reintegration. An initiative launched in 2024, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, is spearheaded by Canada and Ukraine, with over 40 members working actively towards these goals.
These findings add to the backdrop of Russian aggression in Ukraine, which started in February 2022. In connection with these events, the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin. For broader context, a report from BBC News provides additional insights into these developments.