Criminal Liability for the Deportation of Children in Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on June 17, 2025, introduced criminal liability for the deportation of children, responding to the policy of the forced displacement of Ukrainian children, which is an international crime. According to data, at least 19,546 children have been deported to Russia and Belarus or forcibly relocated within the occupied territories of Ukraine. This has raised concerns at both national and international levels.
Changes to the Criminal Code
Under bill No. 12170, which was supported by 252 lawmakers, the Criminal Code of Ukraine has been supplemented with new articles that provide for criminal liability for a number of war crimes against children. These include:
- deportation;
- illegal transfer;
- unjustified delay of children's repatriation;
- recruitment and use of children to participate in armed conflict.
For these crimes, punishment of imprisonment from 8 to 12 years is provided.
Wayne Jordash, an international expert, emphasized that hundreds of children, including orphans and children separated from their families, have been illegally transferred for adoption in Russia.
The introduction of criminal liability for the deportation of children is an important signal regarding Ukraine's serious attitude towards human rights, especially children's rights, in the context of armed conflict. Legislative changes aim not only to provide a legal basis for holding those responsible accountable but also to raise awareness among the international community about crimes against children in Ukraine. This step could become an important milestone in the fight for the return of deported children and the restoration of their family ties.