On August 27, 2024, the “Bring Kids Back UA” task force made a historic step forward by unveiling the White Paper "Safeguarding Children from Forced Transfers and Deportation." This first-of-its-kind document, developed through the expertise of over 15 international specialists and organizations, marks a vital milestone in reinforcing global legal frameworks to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and to support their recovery and reintegration.
The White Paper is a response to the increasing need for international action and legal accountability concerning Russia’s violations of children's rights during its ongoing war against Ukraine. It is an essential component of Ukraine’s broader strategy to bring back all deported children, aligning with the fourth point of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Formula of Peace. The document dismantles the Kremlin's false narrative of "evacuation," clearly establishing that Russia’s actions constitute a deliberate and systematic violation involving the deportation and forced displacement of Ukrainian children.
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Co-Chair of the Bring Kids Back UA task force, opened the event with a powerful address: "Point 4 of the Peace Formula and the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have a clear goal – to return every stolen child home. Without conditions. Without exceptions. This is not just a state initiative – it is our duty to our children and future generations. I hope this study inspires the international community to unite its efforts for the safe return of every Ukrainian child."
The White Paper provides an in-depth examination of the forcible transfers and deportations of children, presenting clear evidence of war crimes and grave breaches of international law.
Notably, this report highlights the systematic nature of Russia’s deportation strategy. The document outlines key findings regarding the operation of Russian state-sponsored systems, such as networks of so-called “recreational camps,” aimed at indoctrinating and militarizing Ukrainian children.
Daria Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine and Operations Director of Bring Kids Back UA, moderated the presentation, ensuring a focused discussion on the strategic importance of the White Paper and its implications for global legal and humanitarian efforts.
Top government officials, members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Ukrainian and foreign human rights organizations, and lawmakers attended the event. Their insights underlined the White Paper’s role in prompting coordinated actions to bring children home.
As Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, highlighted, "The forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is not merely a violation of international law; it is a deliberate and orchestrated act of genocide. Justice must prevail. The International Criminal Court has taken the first steps, but our work is far from over. We are committed to holding Russia accountable for these heinous crimes and ensuring that every child is returned safely to their homeland. This White Paper is a crucial tool in our fight for justice and a roadmap for the international community to follow in securing the rights and futures of these children."
Dmytro Lubinets, Ombudsman of Ukraine, underscored that Russian crimes have escalated since 2022, with Russia granting abducted children Russian citizenship, placing them in Russian families, and attempting to erase their Ukrainian identity through systematic indoctrination. He emphasized the importance of recognizing these acts as part of a genocidal policy aimed at destroying Ukraine's future. “The forced assimilation of Ukrainian children is an assault on our nation’s identity. We must continue to push for global justice, ensuring that these atrocities are met with the strongest legal response,” Lubinets stated.
The White Paper’s recommendations emphasize the necessity of urgent international collaboration to track, return, and reintegrate abducted children. Darya Herasymchuk, Advisor - Commissioner for Children's Rights and Children's Rehabilitation highlighted that Ukraine’s efforts are supported by both national and international partners and are essential for safeguarding the future of Ukrainian children.
Sharanjeet Parmar, Senior Transitional Justice Advisor at the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine and former prosecutor for child crimes with the Special Court for Sierra Leone, provided a comprehensive legal perspective on the deportation of Ukrainian children. Parmar emphasized the importance of the international community adopting the recommendations in the White Paper to establish neutral mechanisms for the return of abducted children, ensuring that Russia complies with international legal standards.
In the coming months, Bring Kids Back UA and its partners will continue to advocate for stronger international responses to these violations. The White Paper serves as a catalyst for this movement, encouraging more countries and organizations to join the coalition to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children. Additionally, the White Paper will be presented at high-level events in the EU, Council of Europe, US, UK, and Global South to gather further international support for this vital cause.