12 years under occupation: a family with two children returned from Crimea

Within the framework of the Presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA, two underage girls were returned from the temporarily occupied Crimea to the territory controlled by Ukraine. The operation was conducted with the support of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network team.

This was reported by the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

One of the girls lived under the occupation of the peninsula for almost 12 years. During this time, the mother raised her daughters with a clear understanding that Crimea is part of Ukraine and explained to them the illegality of the Russian occupation. Despite the difficult circumstances, the family maintained a pro-Ukrainian stance. Eventually, the family decided that for the sake of the children's safety and their future, they needed to leave the temporarily occupied territory.

The eldest girl planned to get a higher education at a Ukrainian university. Upon returning, she will be able to realize this intention on the territory controlled by Ukraine and continue her studies without restrictions related to the occupation.

Preparations for the departure lasted about three months. During this time, experts developed a detailed and safe evacuation route, taking into account all the risks. The process was accompanied by complex organizational issues and security challenges, but the operation was successfully completed.

The girls are currently undergoing adaptation and reintegration. A social worker and a psychologist are working with the family to help them overcome the consequences of a long stay under occupation and integrate into the new environment.

Last year, in December, the UN adopted a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children by Russia. The international community overwhelmingly supported the document, which condemns the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and demands their immediate return, an end to forced adoptions and ideological indoctrination.

The resolution was supported by 91 countries, while 12 voted against, including Russia. Despite international efforts, only 1,850 children were returned home at that time.

Анна Бальчінос