Since the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2014, 8.5 million citizens have left Ukraine. More than 5.7 million of them left after the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. This was stated by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets at the World Ukrainian Summit, the PromPolitInform portal reports.
The Ombudsman emphasized that the international status of temporary protection should be valid until the end of active hostilities. According to him, first of all, it should extend to vulnerable categories of citizens.
Lubinets also reported that the Ombudsman’s Office is building a network of representatives and advisors abroad. They advise Ukrainians on the protection of their rights.
Separately, he raised the issue of the removal of Ukrainian children by foreign guardianship authorities. As an example, Lubinets cited a case in Italy, where a child was placed in the care of foreigners.
“I emphasize: IHL directly prohibits the adoption of children from countries where war is ongoing! We react harshly to such facts and call on international partners to pay attention to this!” – the ombudsman emphasized.
Lubinets added that international security guarantees and a separate housing program are needed for the return of Ukrainians home. According to him, without this, there will be no mass return.
“We are waiting for every Ukrainian man and woman at home, so together with our partners we must join forces to ensure decent conditions and give millions of our citizens a real opportunity to live in their country,” he noted.
