A group responsible for monitoring the United Nations accused Russia on Thursday of violating the rights of Ukrainian children in both Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine and in Russia.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, composed of 18 independent experts responsible for overseeing the implementation of the convention, expressed numerous concerns regarding the deaths and injuries of hundreds of children as a result of Russia’s indiscriminate use of explosive devices in Ukraine.

The committee strongly condemned the forced transfer and deportation of numerous Ukrainian children to Russia, stating that it violated their rights under the convention.

During the latest three-week session of the committee, Russia was among six states parties whose performance was evaluated. States parties refer to the countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

During the presentation of its main discoveries, Vice Chair Bragi Gudbrandsson emphasized the actions taken by Russia, such as the presidential decree issued in January 2024 that grants simplified Russian citizenship to children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.

The committee expressed worry about the possibility of children being stripped of their Ukrainian nationality, which would be a violation of their rights as a child.

The Ukrainian government reports that over 20,000 children have been forcefully sent to Russia. Gudbrandsson has stated that multiple trustworthy sources have verified this figure.

He stated that Russia refuted this claim, instead providing evidence that more than 700,000 children had sought refuge in Russia, as they perceived it to be a safe haven.

According to him, the committee evaluated the presented information and evidence and determined that there is proof of children being forcefully moved from Ukraine to Russia.

The speaker stated that the exact number of these children is unknown, but it is known that there are a significant amount. This can be backed up by the steps Russia has implemented to make it easier for Ukrainian children to obtain Russian citizenship and be placed in Russian families.

The committee agrees with the accusation that Russia is attempting to eliminate Ukraine’s cultural and national identity.

Ann Skelton, the Chair of the Committee, stated in Geneva that the Russian delegation refuted claims of Ukrainian children being adopted. They argued that the children were being placed in foster homes with Russian families.

“However, they also recognized the increasing number of children receiving Russian citizenship, leading to a loss of their own identity and adoption of a Russian identity. This poses a significant concern for the future as these children are being indoctrinated.”

In order to guarantee that no child is denied their Ukrainian citizenship, which goes against their rights as outlined in the convention, the committee has requested the Russian delegation to disclose the exact number of children who have been removed from Ukraine and to provide information on the current location of each child.

Gudbrandsson emphasized the importance of allowing parents and legal representatives to monitor the whereabouts of their children, even by identifying them, in order to facilitate the prompt reunification of these children with their families.

The committee has been informed of disturbing accounts of sexual violence, unjust imprisonment, mistreatment, and abuse of children by the Russian government in the Ukrainian territory currently under occupation.

Experts on human rights have expressed their concerns regarding the mistreatment of children’s rights in Crimea and Sevastopol. This includes the unwarranted arrests of children by Russian authorities, specifically for taking part in peaceful protests.

The committee is urging Russian authorities to investigate instances of crimes against children and take action against those responsible.

In his final comments, Vice Chair Gudbrandsson of the committee urged the state party to immediately stop all military operations in Ukraine in order to prevent additional harmful outcomes for children in Ukraine, Russia, and globally.

Alexey Vovchenko, the deputy minister of labor and social protection of the Russian Federation and leader of the delegation, expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts and stated that the government will carefully consider all recommendations put forth by the committee.

The speaker stated that while they are committed to protecting the rights of children in Russia, they do not feel compelled to follow recommendations that they believe are unfair and constitute interference in their country’s affairs.

Source: voanews.com