Rome, 17 July (LaPresse) – The Ukrainian government has approved a resolution setting out a clear procedure for the compulsory evacuation of children from areas of active or potential hostilities, where they are not accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. According to a report by Ukrinform, the decision was announced by the Ministry of Social Policy. “The resolution adopted will enable the state to act swiftly and in a coordinated manner during critical situations. It sets out a clear framework for cooperation between all relevant services to ensure that every child threatened by war is evacuated promptly, receives the necessary protection and assistance, and is placed in a safe environment,” the ministry stated. The resolution sets out the procedure for compulsory evacuation to be carried out by the child protection authorities, in collaboration with the National Police; it introduces the legal definition of an ‘evacuated child’ and regulates the subsequent care of the child following evacuation. Once removed from the danger zone, every child will undergo a medical examination; their needs will be assessed and they will be provided with the necessary support. The resolution also sets out procedures for temporary placement, giving priority to relatives or trusted individuals. Where this is not possible, children may be placed with foster families, children’s homes, host families or social care institutions. Furthermore, the new regulations set out the steps that the authorities must take in the event that parents fail to maintain contact with their child or neglect their parental responsibilities for an extended period following evacuation. As previously reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, stated that the evacuation of children from frontline regions had not been carried out in a sufficiently systematic manner.
Ukraine: Government resolution on the compulsory evacuation of children from high-risk areas
Rome, 17 July (LaPresse) – The Ukrainian government has approved a resolution setting out a clear procedure for the compulsory evacuation of children from areas of active or potential hostilities, where they are not accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. According to a report by Ukrinform, the decision was announced by the Ministry of Social Policy. “The resolution adopted will enable the state to act swiftly and in a coordinated manner during critical situations. It sets out a clear framework for cooperation between all relevant services to ensure that every child threatened by war is evacuated promptly, receives the necessary protection and assistance, and is placed in a safe environment,” the ministry stated. The resolution sets out the procedure for compulsory evacuation to be carried out by the child protection authorities, in collaboration with the National Police; it introduces the legal definition of an ‘evacuated child’ and regulates the subsequent care of the child following evacuation. Once removed from the danger zone, every child will undergo a medical examination; their needs will be assessed and they will be provided with the necessary support. The resolution also sets out procedures for temporary placement, giving priority to relatives or trusted individuals. Where this is not possible, children may be placed with foster families, children’s homes, host families or social care institutions. Furthermore, the new regulations set out the steps that the authorities must take in the event that parents fail to maintain contact with their child or neglect their parental responsibilities for an extended period following evacuation. As previously reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, stated that the evacuation of children from frontline regions had not been carried out in a sufficiently systematic manner.
