8.5 million Ukrainians have left abroad since the beginning of the war in 2014: what the state must do for their return
Since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014, about 8.5 million Ukrainians have left abroad. After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, more than 5.7 million citizens left the country. This was reported by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.
According to him, the scale of forced migration of Ukrainians is a global challenge that requires coordinated actions.
Lubinets emphasized that one of the key mechanisms for protecting Ukrainians abroad should remain the status of temporary protection. In his opinion, it should remain in effect until the end of active hostilities in Ukraine and primarily apply to vulnerable categories of citizens.
He also noted that the Ombudsman's Office is developing a network of representatives and advisors abroad who consult Ukrainians and help them protect their rights.
Lubinets paid special attention to cases of Ukrainian children being taken by foreign guardianship authorities. One such case occurred in Italy, where a child was taken from the family and placed under the care of foreigners. He stressed that international humanitarian law prohibits the adoption of children from countries where hostilities are ongoing and called on international partners to pay attention to such cases.
At the same time, the Ombudsman noted that calls alone are not enough for the return of millions of Ukrainians home. The basis of such a policy must be reliable international security guarantees and a separate international initiative to provide housing. Without fulfilling these conditions, the mass return of citizens to Ukraine will be extremely difficult.
Lubinets added that Ukraine expects the return of its citizens, and the state together with international partners must create safe and dignified conditions for this.
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