The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has confirmed that Russian authorities committed crimes against humanity by deporting and forcibly transferring children, and by enforcing their disappearances. Over 1,200 children have been deported to Russia or transferred to occupied Ukrainian territories, with many still unaccounted for four years later. The Commission found that the majority of the children have not been returned, in violation of international humanitarian law, which permits evacuations only for temporary, compelling reasons such as health or safety.
The Commission’s report highlights that Russian authorities have put in place a series of measures to facilitate the deportation and transfer of children. These actions were coordinated at the highest levels of the Russian Federation, including President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights. The authorities have also failed to disclose the whereabouts of the children to their families, making it almost impossible for them to reunite. Instead, many children were placed in long-term arrangements in Russian families or institutions, and some were granted Russian citizenship, further complicating efforts to return them to their homes.
Despite some efforts to facilitate returns, most families are still searching for their children, facing prolonged separation and distress. The situation also reflects a war crime, as there have been unjustifiable delays in the repatriation process. Additionally, the Commission documented instances of torture, fabricated trials, and violations of fair trial guarantees within Russian courts and occupied Ukrainian territories. These trials often involved evidence obtained through torture, showing a complete disregard for the rights of detainees.
The Commission also found ongoing cases of sexual violence committed by Russian armed forces, including instances of rape and forced pregnancies. Moreover, the recruitment of nationals from 17 countries to fight for Russia was marked by deception and coercion, with many being promised civilian employment or other benefits, only to be sent to the frontline without adequate training. Testimonies from Russian soldiers who deserted highlighted widespread violence and inhumane treatment within the Russian military.
On the Ukrainian side, the Commission raised concerns about the legal uncertainty surrounding the definition of “collaborative activities” under Ukrainian criminal law. It also documented violations during the mobilisation of Ukrainian armed forces, including irregular detention, lack of access to legal representation, and mistreatment of conscientious objectors.
The UN Commission continues to investigate these violations and abuses, with the aim of holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that justice is served. The Commission’s work is integral in documenting the full scope of human rights violations and international law breaches amid the ongoing conflict.
