Wed Sep 25 07:34:20 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Under Scrutiny: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Raises Concerns Over Secret Detentions and Child Transfers

**Geneva, Switzerland -** The Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) concluded its review of Ukraine’s initial report today, commending the country for its efforts to combat enforced disappearances, particularly with the adoption of a new law on missing persons. However, the Committee raised serious concerns over alleged secret detentions and the forced transfer of children to the Russian Federation.

“The Committee cannot be indifferent to war in any circumstances,” stated Carmen Rosa Villa Quintana, CED Expert and Country Rapporteur, emphasizing the need for peace in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

Olivier de Frouville, CED Chair and Country Rapporteur, praised Ukraine’s new law on the legal status of missing persons, but expressed concern about its limitations, specifically in cases involving Ukrainian State agents. He questioned whether Ukrainian state agents could be held accountable under the law, highlighting allegations of secret detentions in Kharkiv and Kyiv.

The Committee also focused on the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, questioning how many of the 19,546 transferred children were considered victims of enforced disappearance. They demanded clarification on procedures for reviewing child placements, particularly those related to illegal adoptions.

The Ukrainian delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Leonid Tymchenko, outlined measures taken to combat enforced disappearances, including registering over 5,000 criminal offenses and investigating allegations of incommunicado detentions. They emphasized their efforts to obtain information on missing children and negotiate their return, highlighting ongoing efforts to prosecute Russian officials responsible for the transfers.

The Committee’s concluding observations on Ukraine’s report will be issued at the end of its 27th session on October 4th. The CED, while recognizing the challenges faced by Ukraine, stressed the importance of continued cooperation and called for an end to the ongoing war. The Committee reiterated its support for Ukraine’s efforts to fully implement the Convention on Enforced Disappearances.

**This dialogue marks a critical moment in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in the face of Russian aggression. The CED’s concerns regarding secret detentions and forced child transfers highlight the need for robust investigations and decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of Ukrainian citizens.**

Read More