“Protection of children from forced displacement and deportation”: an international expert group presented the White Paper
The international expert group Bring Kids Back UA presented the White Book entitled “Protection of children from forced relocation and deportation”, the event was attended by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak who took part in the presentation
This document was the first result of the work of the Bring Kids Back UA International Expert Group. As informs the press service of the Office of the President, it is a key stage in efforts aimed at the return of Ukrainian children who have become victims of forced displacement or deportation.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that one of the main points of the Peace Formula and the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, which was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, has a clear goal: to return every child who was kidnapped home without any conditions or exceptions. This project is not just a government initiative, but an important moral duty to children and future generations.
The document and its content
The white paper, on which more than 15 international experts and organizations in the field of international law worked, describes in detail the systematic nature of the deportation and forced movement of children carried out by the aggressor state. The document contains all the available evidence that indicates illegal actions by the aggressor.
Andriy Yermak called on the participants of the meeting to join forces to return Ukrainian children home. He also emphasized the need to encourage other countries to develop effective instruments for the protection of children’s rights, in accordance with the recommendations of the White Paper.
Official comments
Darya Gerasimchuk, adviser and representative of the President of Ukraine on child rights and child rehabilitation, noted that since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has declared that Russia is kidnapping Ukrainian children with the aim of destroying the future of our country. The White Paper is part of a broader set of efforts aimed at protecting the rights of children and their return to Ukraine. She confirms that Ukraine will continue to work to ensure that children can return to their families.
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin emphasized that all persons involved in these crimes, from soldiers to the highest leadership of Russia, must be brought to justice.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s human rights representative, pointed out that the legal basis laid down in the White Book will help Ukraine to enlist the support of international partners in the implementation of the fourth point of the Peace Formula.
Sharanjit Parmar, senior adviser on transitional justice at the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation, noted that Russia uses children as a tool to achieve its political goals, violating basic principles of international law.
Participation of international and national representatives
The presentation was also attended by members of the Bring Kids Back UA International Expert Group, representatives of countries that are members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, people’s deputies and representatives of Ukrainian and international human rights organizations. The event was moderated by Daria Zarivna, adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and operational director of Bring Kids Back UA.
The White Paper was developed with the support of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Foundation, which emphasizes the importance of international cooperation for the protection of children’s rights and their return home. This document became an important step in the fight for children’s rights and supports the efforts of Ukraine and its partners in the international arena.
