Cabinet approves forced evacuation of children from active combat zones

This was reported by the Ministry of Reintegration.

It is noted that the basis for mandatory evacuation is now a decision of regional military administrations, agreed with the military command authorities and the Coordinating Headquarters for the Compulsory Evacuation of the Population.

Children will be forcibly evacuated only when accompanied by one of their parents, surrogate parents or other legal representatives. Refusal of parents or guardians to evacuate a child is not allowed, as children caught in the combat zone cannot take care of themselves.

It is the duty of the state to protect the life and health of the child. The decision taken should encourage parents to be more thoughtful about evacuating their children. If adults are unable to take care of a child's safety, the state must do so," commented Iryna Vereshchuk on the decision.

Reportedly, only Bakhmut falls under the criteria for the application of forced evacuation of children from war zones.