Ombudsman Lubyinets: criminal proceedings continue regarding evacuated children.

According to ТСН: Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubyinets announced that his office continues to investigate possible violations of the rights of Ukrainian children who were evacuated abroad after the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia.

Lubyinets mentioned during a briefing:

“We have received information regarding violations of the rights of our children who were evacuated after the onset of full-scale aggression. We conducted a number of monitoring visits — not only to Turkey but also to Germany, Poland, and Slovakia. Where we identified violations, we responded in the form of official reports to the relevant authorities. We have contacted law enforcement agencies, particularly regarding the situation in Turkey. Criminal proceedings have been opened.”

The Ombudsman emphasized that the investigation regarding the children who were in Turkey is still ongoing.

“Regarding our official report — the proceedings are not closed. During an open proceeding, I do not provide information. I have not officially transmitted the report to journalists, and I can only do this after the proceedings are concluded,”

According to him, some of the materials contain a significant amount of personal data, therefore the report is not intended for public disclosure. Lubyinets stressed that the investigation is ongoing both in Ukraine and on the territory of Turkey.

“Everyone who committed an offense must be punished. Criminal proceedings have been opened not only in Ukraine but also in Turkey,”

Note

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, about 3,500 orphaned children and their escorts from the Dnipropetrovsk region were evacuated to Turkey as part of the 'Childhood without War' project.

Journalists released a copy of an internal report from a group of Ukrainian officials who visited Turkish hotels in March 2024 where the children were staying. The document describes instances of psychological and sexual violence, as well as coercion of children to participate in advertising materials for the fund. Two underage girls from Turkey — 15-year-old Nastya and 17-year-old Ilona — returned pregnant from hotel staff.

It is important to note that the situation with the evacuation and protection of children is extremely serious. The continuation of investigations concerning possible violations indicates the commitment of Ukrainian authorities to care for the safety and rights of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Observations by the international community are crucial for ensuring the rights of children and establishing accountability for those responsible.