98. Forced relocation of children to Russia
Vil’khuvatka (Kharkiv)
LOCATION: Vil’khuvatka (Kharkiv)
DATE: February 28, 2022 – January 2023
NUMBER OF WITNESSES: 4
SUMMARY: During the occupation of the village of Vilkhuvatka, Kharkiv Region, five children from one family who were in the “Hope” Center for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of Children were separated from their mother, without their mother’s consent, and taken to the Russian Federation by their temporary guardians.
WITNESSES
The Witnesses of the incident included male and female civilians aged between their mid-30s and late 40s. The Witnesses were residents of Vil’khuvatka, some of whom held leadership positions.
VICTIMS
The Victims of the incident were male and female children ranging from toddlers to young teens. They were the children of one of the Witnesses.
ALLEGED PERPETRATORS
as described by the Witness(es)
The perpetrators included members of the Russian military and the head of the children’s service in the village.