Kyiv, Ukraine, 27 August 2024 – The Bring Kids Back UA Task Force presented its new White Paper titled “Safeguarding Children from Forced Transfers and Deportation” to a global audience, which included Ukrainian government officials, international human rights lawyers, academics, and NGOs. The paper addresses one of the most critical issues of Russia’s war of aggression: the protection of Ukrainian children from forced transfers and deportations by Russian forces.

The White Paper provides a detailed analysis of the systematic forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, critically examining the Russian Federation's justifications for these actions. The document explores potential violations of International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, and International Human Rights Law.

Ukrainian Government and Task Force Leaders

Key members in attendance included:

• Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Co-Chair of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force
• Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine
• Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
• Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Children’s Rights and Rehabilitation
• Daria Zarivna, Senior Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA

In his welcoming address, Andriy Yermak stated:
"The White Paper we are presenting today is at the heart of Ukrainian efforts to engage the international community in restoring sustainable justice. Point four of Ukraine’s peace formula and the Bring Kids Back UA Initiative has the clear goal to return every stolen child and bring them back home without conditions or exceptions."

Yermak further emphasised the urgency of action, calling on the international community to condemn these crimes and support the return of Ukrainian children.

Legal Perspectives on International Crimes

Andriy Kostin, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, highlighted the gravity of these crimes, stating:
"The White Paper depicts one of the most well-planned and organised international crimes by the Russian Federation. We need to mobilise efforts to locate and safely return all Ukrainian children."

Sharanjeet Parmar, former Harvard Law School lecturer and child crimes prosecutor, presented the paper's key findings:
"The government estimates that 20,000 children have been forcibly transferred and deported, with broader estimates suggesting several hundred thousand. The lack of voluntary consent in all these cases underscores the violation of international humanitarian law."

Global Response and Support

Delegates from the UK, U.S., Canada, France, Brazil, India, South Africa, and others attended the event. Several prominent figures expressed their support for the Task Force’s findings.

Priscila Caneparo dos Anjos, delegate to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, shared:
"Children are the silent victims of war. Documenting these violations is essential because it brings attention to the plight of those who cannot advocate for themselves."

Dzvinka Kachur, Honorary President of the Ukrainian Association in South Africa (UAZA), drew parallels with other global conflicts:
"The suffering of children during war is not unique to Ukraine. We hope the solutions for abducted Ukrainian children will also inspire action for children in conflicts across the African continent."

International Recommendations and Call to Action

The White Paper calls for Russia and its allies to strictly comply with international law and urges the global community to support the return of abducted children. It stresses the importance of sustained international pressure to ensure Russia’s compliance with child protection measures and halt these violations.

The Task Force emphasises that the international community must provide the necessary resources to support the reintegration of these children into their home communities and hold Russia accountable for its actions.

For more information and to download the White Paper, visit: https://www.bringkidsback.org.ua

Notes to the Editor:

The Bring Kids Back UA Task Force was established by the Office of the President of Ukraine with two key objectives:

1. Investigate mechanisms for the voluntary return of unlawfully deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
2. Develop recommendations to strengthen the international legal framework for protecting children in armed conflicts, using Ukraine as a case study.

Co-chaired by Andriy Yermak and Lady Helena Kennedy LT KC, the Task Force consists of experts in policy, law, and diplomacy, with a focus on children’s rights in conflict zones.

Official website: https://www.bringkidsback.org.ua

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