NGO Tribunal Participated in Expert Discussion on Russia’s Use of Forced Displacement in Ukraine

Representatives of NGO Tribunal took part in the expert event “Addressing Russia’s Use of Forced Displacement in Ukraine,” which examined how international law can respond to Russia’s forcible movement of people during its war against Ukraine.

The discussion focused on mounting evidence that, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, forced deportation, forcible transfer, and arbitrary detention have been systematically used as tools of war and occupation. Particular attention was given to the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children, as well as the detention and imprisonment of Ukrainian civilians transferred to the territory of the Russian Federation, often without charge or conviction.

Participants discussed the significance of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s children’s commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, which relate to alleged war crimes involving the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. The panel also examined how these crimes complicate future peace negotiations and reinforce the need for accountability mechanisms grounded in international law.

Key issues addressed during the event included:

• Emerging evidence of unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of children and civilians;

• The role and limits of international law in responding to these crimes;

• Legal and political challenges for justice and accountability;

• Practical pathways for the release of illegally detained Ukrainians and the reunification of deported children with their families, including cooperation between Ukrainian NGOs and Russian volunteers inside Russia.

The event also featured a screening of excerpts from the documentary After the Rain: Putin’s Stolen Children, which sheds light on the human impact of forced displacement and child deportations.

Participation in this discussion aligns with NGO Tribunal’s ongoing work to keep international attention focused on forced displacement, deportation of children, and arbitrary detention as grave international crimes, and to advocate for justice, accountability, and the restoration of victims’ rights under international law.