“This is something that is happening in Russia and must not happen,” he added.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Kyiv Thursday. Pic/AFP
Russia is violating the “fundamental principles of child protection” in wartime by giving Ukrainian children Russian passports and putting them up for adoption, the U.N.’s refugee agency (UNHCR) chief said in an interview.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking at the UNHCR offices in Kyiv following a six-day tour of the country, Filippo Grandi said Ukraine’s president had asked his agency to “do more” to help children from occupied regions to whom this was happening. “Giving them (Russian) nationality or having them adopted goes against the fundamental principles of child protection in situations of war,” Grandi said. “This is something that is happening in Russia and must not happen,” he added.
Also Read: Russia expels Estonia ambassador, orders to leave the country
President Volodymyr Zelensky, after his meeting with Grandi on Wednesday, called for mechanisms to be set up to “defend and return” children and adults deported to Russia, as well as to punish those responsible. Grandi said his agency was unable to estimate the number of children who had been given passports or put up for adoption, as access in Russia was extremely limited. “We are seeking access all the time, and access has been rather rare, sporadic and not unfettered, if you see what I mean.” Russia has said accusations Ukrainian children have been abducted are false.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
