The Human Rights Committee of the Austrian Parliament has officially recognized the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia as a war crime. This resolution marks an important step in the international condemnation of Russia’s actions and support for Ukraine.
Alona Lebedieva, the owner of the Ukrainian diversified industrial and investment group of companies “Aurum Group,” commented on this news: “This decision is a powerful signal that the international community does not stand aside from human rights violations. The abduction of children is a crime that has no justification. Together, we must continue to pressure Russia and demand the return of all abducted children home.”
She emphasizes the importance of the resolution stating that the Austrian federal government, including the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, should continue its efforts at the international level to repatriate the abducted children. This includes supporting the “International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children” and local organizations, as well as advocating at the European level.
“The EU and the international community must pressure Russia and compel it to respect human rights and international law. Further expansion of sanctions, support for Ukraine, and joint work on long-term solutions are necessary,” Lebedieva believes.
She reminds that according to Ukrainian authorities, thousands of Ukrainian children were illegally taken to Russia during the war that has been ongoing since 2014. Many of them have become victims of forced deportation from the occupied territories. These actions violate international law and the rights of the child enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.