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UN Demands Return of Ukrainian Children Taken to Russia as Kyiv Flags North Korea Camps

The non-binding vote increases diplomatic pressure without providing a mechanism to force compliance.

Overview

  • The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the immediate, unconditional return of Ukrainian children transferred to Russia, passing 91–12 with 57 abstentions.
  • Ukraine says at least 20,000 children have been taken since 2022, with roughly 1,850 returned to date.
  • Ukraine’s human rights ombudsperson and a Kyiv-based NGO allege some children were sent to a camp in Songdowon, North Korea, claims that have limited independent verification.
  • The resolution also urges an end to forced transfers, family separations, changes of identity or citizenship, adoptions, and indoctrination practices targeting Ukrainian minors.
  • Moscow denies wrongdoing and says it rescued children from war, while the ICC’s 2023 warrant for Vladimir Putin cites alleged illegal deportations.