88 MPs voted for the adoption of the announcement, including the opposition parties “Latvija first” and “Stability”.
In the statement, the MPs express “the most categorical condemnation”, including stating that the illegal and forced relocation of Ukrainian children by Russia and Belarus violates international humanitarian law, as well as the content of war and genocide crimes. Also, in the statement, the deputies express their support for the investigation by the criminal court and call on the international community, the Red Cross and the UN to be actively involved in solving the issues.
The Parliament’s statement expressed support for Ukraine’s intention to create an International Center, or contact point for organizations and parents in one of the third countries. Such a center could ensure a more coordinated action and help with the collection of evidence and the preparation of documents.
Member of Parliament Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševiča (JV) emphasized that removing children and destroying their identity is genocide and a war crime. Children are subjected to targeted Russification, they are forbidden to speak Ukrainian, children are fed Russian propaganda, and subjected to medical tests and psychological terror.
“It is such a big crime that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the president of Russia and the so-called defender of children’s rights. The people who are directly responsible for this inhumane war crime,” said Kalniņa-Lukaševica.
2023-12-21 08:13:00
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