Ukraine's Parliament Approves Law for Mandatory Evacuation of Children from Combat Zones

Bill No. 12353: Mandatory Evacuation of Civilians

According to Главком: On February 10, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed Bill No. 12353, which establishes a framework for the mandatory evacuation of civilians from active combat zones. This legislation has generated significant public debate, as it authorizes the forced evacuation of children without parental consent in certain circumstances. The law represents a major shift in state policy for protecting civilians during the ongoing war.

Evacuation Process and Responsibilities

Under the new law, decisions to declare a mandatory evacuation are made by military administrations, acting on proposals from military command and in coordination with the Coordination Headquarters for Evacuation Measures. Evacuations can be general or partial, targeting specific vulnerable population groups, including:

• children;
• people with disabilities;
• elderly citizens.

If parents refuse to evacuate their child, the National Police of Ukraine will carry out the evacuation and transfer the child to child protection services. The law also allows for restrictions on entry and residence in areas subject to a general mandatory evacuation. The state is obligated to provide temporary housing for those displaced from combat zones. Specifically, the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development has announced the start of forced evacuations of children and their parents from 44 frontline districts in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

This bill is a crucial step in ensuring population safety during wartime and increases the state's level of responsibility for protecting its most vulnerable citizens.

Mandatory evacuation of children and other vulnerable groups could significantly reduce risks associated with hostilities and improve coordination between military administrations and civil society organizations aiding evacuees. However, public anxiety remains high regarding the potential consequences of forced separation for parents and children, highlighting the need for further public discussion and clarification of the process.