The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday (3 December) calling on Russia to immediately return all Ukrainian children who have been “forcibly transferred or deported,” describing the actions as a breach of international law.

The resolution passed with 91 votes in favour, 12 against and 57 abstentions during the Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Aggression against Ukraine.

It expresses deep concern about the impact of the war on children, including those moved within occupied Ukrainian territory or deported to Russia. The assembly said such transfers violate international law, which prohibits moving individuals from occupied territory to that of the occupying power.

The resolution criticised Russian measures since 2022 that ease citizenship procedures for Ukrainian children, particularly orphans, children without parental care and unaccompanied minors.

It also condemned the separation of children from families or legal guardians, any forced change of personal status, adoption, foster placement, or attempts at indoctrination.

The UN urges Russia to halt any further transfers, deportations, family separations, changes of status, and indoctrination, and calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to engage with Moscow to secure the children’s safe and unconditional return. The resolution also stresses the need to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.

Russia denies forcibly transferring or deporting children, claiming all relocations are voluntary evacuations intended to protect minors from conflict zones.

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