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Ukraine, subjected to military aggression by Russia, has witnessed an extraordinary humanitarian crisis that has affected the most vulnerable segment of the population — children. Forced deportation has become a terrible ordeal for thousands of little hearts who have lost their homes and become dependent on the will of the occupying forces.

Orphans: “Evacuation” or abduction?

Starting on February 18, 2022, children who were in social institutions and did not have parents or guardianship from relatives became the subject of a mysterious “evacuation” to the territory of Russia. Well, it turns out that this was just a cover operation, and the facts show that the children were taken without proper notification and consent of the responsible authorities.

The children were deprived of parental care: victims of forced mobilization

Due to the forced mobilization in the occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts, numerous parents were killed or lost the right to raise their children. It would seem that a situation that should have led to support and assistance for families has instead become a pretext for deportation. “Commissions for the observance of the rights of minors” are stepping up their activities to justify these untruths, but their actions only emphasize the problematic nature of the situation.

Children without parental supervision: lost in a world of war

As a result of Russia’s military aggression, numerous children have found themselves without parental supervision due to delays, closed borders and other unforeseen circumstances. Those who remained “homeless” became victims not only of the hostilities, but also of the bureaucratic procedures that led to their deportation.

Hope for a better future: voices in defense of the little ones

The joint efforts of civil society and the international community are an integral part of the solution to this humanitarian tragedy. By making the voices of those who have been deprived of a decent childhood heard, all of us can support Ukrainian government in its efforts to ensure the safety, education and normal development of these children.

The forced deportation of children from the occupied territories of Ukraine is not only a violation of international norms, but also an outrageous act against the most vulnerable. The world must witness this tragedy and unite its efforts to defend the rights of small Ukrainian kids when the occupants are trying to deprive them of a decent future.