Schoolchildren with weapons: the OSCE discussed the militarization of children in the occupied territories
Children from the age of 8 are enrolled in the so-called “Unarmy”, a Russian youth organization subordinate to the country’s Ministry of Defense. Also, in Russian schools, children must undergo primary military education. The same practices are introduced by the occupation administration in the captured territories of Ukraine. “Unarmy” units operate in Henichesk, Melitopol and other occupied cities. Attention was drawn to the aggressive militarization of children in territories not controlled by Ukraine during a meeting of the Security Committee of the OSCE Permanent Council.
“The militarization of children and youth, particularly in public schools, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia itself, has become an increasingly alarming trend since the full-scale invasion. Such serious violations of international law and obligations within the framework of the OSCE must be immediately and decisively addressed by the Organization.” , – said the head of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Poor Matvyi.
The minister also emphasized the constant threat to the life and health of children in Ukraine and talked about the consequences of the shelling of Ukrainian cities.
“For example, on May 8 in Kharkiv, three teenagers were playing in a football stadium when a Russian rocket exploded on the field, giving them no chance to hide. The rockets are flying to Kharkiv so fast that there is no time to seek shelter. Now these boys are in the hospital with serious injuries , one of them lost a leg. All they wanted was to just play football.” – said Matviy Bidny.
