On Friday, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) revealed alarming findings regarding the rights of children in Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities and Russian occupation. From February 24, 2022, to December 31, 2024, the OHCHR documented 669 child fatalities and 1,883 injuries, with a staggering 89% attributed to explosive weapons in densely populated areas, while the true toll may be even greater due to unverified information in Russian-controlled regions.
The devastating impact of explosive weaponry on civilian life, including essential infrastructures such as schools and hospitals, has severely hampered children’s access to education and healthcare. Since the conflict’s onset, landmines and remnants of war have resulted in the death of 30 children and injuries to 120, predominantly affecting boys who make up over 80% of these casualties. Currently, around 139,000 square kilometres of Ukraine are contaminated with such dangerous remnants, threatening children’s safety for years to come.
In occupied areas, Russian authorities have aggressively pushed for the enforcement of Russian citizenship and a restructured education system, incorporating a state curriculum aimed at erasing Ukrainian cultural identity. This systematic suppression of the Ukrainian language and identity further discriminates against children based on their ethnicity, which constitutes a breach of their fundamental rights.
The OHCHR states that Russia’s actions violate international laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates the protection of children’s lives during armed conflict. Additionally, the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law clearly delineates protections for civilians and prohibits direct attacks on them, including schools and medical facilities.
Notably, the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia not only breaches the Fourth Geneva Convention but also qualifies as a war crime. The report urges the Russian Federation to halt its attacks on civilians, respect the rights of children, and allows them to engage fully in cultural activities. Furthermore, it appeals to the international community to assist in creating support programs for children who arrive in Ukrainian-controlled territories.
The UN OHCHR’s report details extensive violations of children’s rights in Ukraine due to the conflict with Russia. Key findings include 669 child deaths and 1,883 injuries, largely from explosive weapons. Additionally, Russian policies suppress Ukrainian identity and citizenship. The report calls for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and international support for affected children.
The OHCHR report highlights grave violations of children’s rights in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and Russian occupation. With high casualty rates from explosive weaponry and systematic cultural suppression, it underscores the urgent need for protection under international law. The call for immediate cessation of attacks and collaborative support for affected children reflects a critical humanitarian plea amid the chaos of war.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
