The Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft law on the forced evacuation of children from war zones in cases of parental refusal
Evacuation of children from frontline areas has become a critically important issue in modern war conditions. Children are the most vulnerable population category that needs special protection. In the territories where hostilities are regularly conducted, their lives and health are constantly under threat. Shelling, destruction of infrastructure, limited access to medical care, lack of normal conditions for education – all this creates a dangerous environment where it is simply impossible for children to live. In such conditions, the state is obliged to intervene in order to guarantee their safety.
On December 20, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted two important draft laws, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, which are aimed at improving the mechanisms of mandatory evacuation of the population from zones of active hostilities. About this reported Ministry of Internal Affairs
Special attention is paid to children, as the most vulnerable category. The bills allow military administrations to declare a mandatory evacuation at the suggestion of the military command. Such an evacuation can cover the entire population of a certain territory or only certain categories of citizens, including children, the elderly or people with disabilities.
Children during evacuation are planned to be resettled together with one of their parents or their legal representatives. In cases where the parents refuse to leave the dangerous territory, there is a provision for the forcible removal of the children, followed by their transfer to guardianship authorities. Such measures will be carried out with the participation of the National Police. The decision on forced evacuation will be adopted by the regional military administration on the proposal of the military command and with the approval of the coordination headquarters responsible for the evacuation measures.
These legislative initiatives are necessary to ensure children’s right to life, health and safety. Although parents or legal guardians may have their own motives for remaining in a war zone, the state has no right to risk the lives of children. Evacuation is not just about physical movement. It is also about creating conditions where children can get psychological help, access to education, health care and a stable environment that will allow them to develop and feel safe.
The draft laws approved by the Cabinet of Ministers must now be considered by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. If they receive the support of parliamentarians, the draft laws will be submitted to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and the President of Ukraine for signature. Once approved and published, these laws will enter into force, providing a clear legal mechanism for the evacuation of children from dangerous areas.
The implementation of such measures is an important step to guarantee children’s safety at a time when war continues to disrupt their normal lives. This decision is aimed at ensuring that, even in the most difficult conditions of war, the state fulfills its duty to protect the smallest and most vulnerable citizens.
