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Experts warn of Russian militarization of Ukrainian minors, citing possible crime against humanity
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico /Conflict & Security

Experts warn of Russian militarization of Ukrainian minors, citing possible crime against humanity

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Independent experts documented a Russian system to erase Ukrainian children's identities and militarize them.
  • The report details forced deportations, indoctrination, and military training for Ukrainian children starting at age six.
  • These actions could constitute a crime against humanity, according to the experts.

An independent report has documented a systematic Russian effort to erase the national identity of Ukrainian children and transform them into soldiers. The findings, compiled by experts under the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Moscow Mechanism, detail a disturbing policy of indoctrination and militarization targeting minors.

a system organized to erase the national identity of Ukrainian children through a policy of sustained indoctrination and militarization.

โ€” Independent ExpertsThe report describes the documented Russian system targeting Ukrainian children.

The report highlights that children forcibly deported to Russia have endured violations of international humanitarian, human rights, and international criminal law. Starting from age six, they are subjected to mandatory pro-war propaganda within the educational system. Between the ages of 13 and 18, they receive training in weapons handling, tactical medicine, and drone operation.

violations and abuses of international humanitarian law, human rights, and international criminal law related to the militarization and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.

โ€” ReportThe report details the experiences of children forcibly deported to Russia.

Furthermore, the report notes the elimination of education in the Ukrainian language and persecution of those who publicly express their national identity or support Ukraine. Adolescents are notified of mandatory military service, and upon reaching adulthood, they are compelled to join the Russian armed forces to fight against their own country.

mandatory programs of propaganda in favor of the war within the educational system.

โ€” ReportThe report outlines the indoctrination process Ukrainian children undergo from age six.

Experts Hervรฉ Ascensio, Elฤซna ล teinerte, and Stefan Wolff concluded that these documented actions could amount to a crime against humanity, specifically persecution. They also identified probable war crimes. The report recommends recognizing the return of Ukrainian children as a central element of any peace negotiation and ensuring Russia is held accountable for the committed crimes.

forced to join the Russian armed forces to fight against the country where they were born.

โ€” ReportThe report describes the consequences for Ukrainian adolescents upon reaching the age of military service.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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