Since the start of the Russian aggression in 2014, approximately 8.5 million people have left Ukraine. Following the full-scale invasion in 2022, another 5.7 million citizens fled the country. These staggering figures were announced by the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmytro Lubyntsev, who described the situation as a global challenge requiring coordinated international action.
Temporary Protection Status as a Priority
According to the Ombudsman, temporary protection status must remain a key tool for safeguarding Ukrainians abroad. Lubyntsev is convinced that this mechanism should remain in effect until active hostilities on Ukrainian territory are fully concluded. He emphasized that special attention must be paid to vulnerable categories of citizens who require maximum support.
To implement these tasks, the Ombudsman's Office is actively expanding its network of representatives and advisors in various countries. Their primary function is to counsel Ukrainians and assist in protecting their rights within foreign jurisdictions.
The Issue of Child Removal
A separate block of issues requiring immediate response concerns children's rights. Dmytro Lubyntsev drew attention to cases where foreign child protection agencies remove Ukrainian children from their parents. As an example, he cited a situation in Italy where a child was taken from their family and placed under the guardianship of foreigners.
The Ombudsman emphasized that international humanitarian law explicitly prohibits the adoption of children from countries where hostilities are ongoing. He urged international partners to pay close attention to such cases and prevent violations of Ukrainian families' rights.
Conditions for Returning Home
The question of returning millions of Ukrainians remains one of the most pressing. Lubyntsev noted that appeals alone are insufficient. In his view, reliable international security guarantees must form the basis of repatriation policy.
Furthermore, a separate international initiative to ensure housing is necessary. Without fulfilling these conditions, the mass return of citizens to Ukraine will be extremely difficult. The state, together with international partners, must create safe and decent conditions so that people can return to their homes.