OSCE Explores Accountability for Child Deportations

In a significant move to address the plight of Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing conflict, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) convened a panel discussion focusing on mechanisms to hold the Russian Federation accountable for alleged crimes against Ukrainian children. This event, which took place in Vienna, was aligned with the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.

Daria Herasymchuk, the Advisor and Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation in Ukraine, participated in the discussion virtually. She highlighted grave concerns over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, revealing that at least 19,546 such cases have been documented. Moreover, over 1.6 million children remain in occupied territories or may have been unlawfully relocated to Russia. Herasymchuk emphasized the active role of Ukraine, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, in efforts to repatriate these children.

The panel also delved into the utilization of international frameworks, such as the OSCE Moscow Mechanism and the United Nations’ Children and Armed Conflict agenda, to meticulously document war crimes against children. These mechanisms aim to collect evidence and facilitate its transfer to international courts, ensuring accountability for the actions against Ukrainian children.