1.6 million Ukrainian children subjected to Russian militarization, OSCE report claims

An estimated 1.6 million Ukrainian children living under Russian control are being subjected to a system of indoctrination and militarization that could amount to a crime against humanity, according to independent experts appointed by the OSCE.

The report, presented in Vienna under the OSCE's "Moscow mechanism" for investigating human rights violations, details an institutionalized Russian system designed to indoctrinate these children. French expert Hervé Ascensio stated, "We consider (...) that this system could constitute the crime against humanity of persecution."

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We consider (...) that this system could constitute the crime against humanity of persecution.

Latvian expert Elina Steinerte noted that Russian authorities allegedly issued military summons to young people in occupied territories before those in other Russian regions. She added that some interviewed youths left their territories without informing their families to avoid conscription. The report, which includes documentation of weapons training and military camps, highlights cases of young adults being incorporated into forces and subsequently sent to fight in Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities report that 20,610 children have been transferred to Russian territory. The OSCE experts estimate that the 1.6 million children affected reside in Crimea or in Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russia.

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Russian authorities allegedly issued military summons to young people in occupied territories before those in other Russian regions. She added that some interviewed youths left their territories without informing their families to avoid conscription.