Violations of children’s rights during the war in Ukraine

Abstract

The article focuses on the fact that a child belongs to a special socio-demographic group of the age population, and has age criteria, special needs, interests and rights defined by law. Every child should feel protected, loved and cared for by his or her closest people, and his or her opinion should be respected. Focusing on the rights of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged categories, including children, demonstrates society’s desire to ensure the further development of civilization, as children are our future.
It is emphasized that the rights of the child are certain opportunities that are necessary for the child’s existence, development and maturity. In any modern democratic society, children are considered the highest value. Children’s rights cannot be violated even in difficult life circumstances. Children should feel fully protected by adults and the state.
It is worth noting that children suffer the most during armed conflicts because they are too trusting, vulnerable and unable to take care of their own safety and protection.
However, today, as a result of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Federation violates all children’s rights and commits grave crimes against them, namely: abducts and illegally transports them; recruits them; deprives them of liberty and parental care; uses various forms of violence against children, especially in the occupied territories; deprives them of life and maims them, etc.
All children, regardless of their personal qualities and characteristics, are equally under the legal protection of the state. It is worth noting that in recent years, domestic legislation has improved its regulatory framework concerning child protection. However, today, due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the sphere of children’s rights protection requires substantial enhancement.
It should be emphasized that as a result of armed aggression, there is an urgent issue of ensuring and protecting the violated rights and freedoms of children. Russia is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, which have no statute of limitations, and it must be held legally accountable. Only this will allow for the full restoration of children’s violated rights.