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“Thousands of Ukrainian children have reportedly been transported to Belarus, as described in a new research report by Yale University. The youngest of these children were only six years old, all of whom were taken to various facilities across Belarus due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
Children Transported to Belarus
According to the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, around 2,400 Ukrainian children were moved from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine to Belarus. The report revealed that these children were forced to undergo military training and re-education in Belarus. Moreover, it was mentioned that more children may have been transferred than the official estimates suggest.
Haunting Allegations
The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, linking them to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Belarus. This harsh accusation was labelled as a war crime by the court, and it has drawn significant attention to this alarming situation.
Under international law
Transporting children under 18 out of their country without parental consent is considered a violation of international law. And so, this appalling act has not only been a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty but more importantly, a breach of international humanitarian law.
Protecting the Innocents
With the ongoing investigations into these unfortunate events, it is vital to ensure that the children involved are protected. Whether it is through reuniting them with their families or providing the necessary support and care, the focus needs to be on safeguarding the well-being of these innocent children. It’s a call to action for the international community and aid organizations to intervene in offering protection and ensuring such crises do not occur in the future.
We must shed light on these abhorrent crimes and hold the responsible authorities accountable for their actions. A harsh spotlight must be placed on the perpetrators involved in orchestrating such inhumane acts against innocent children. Let their voices be heard, and let justice prevail.”
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