By: Xolani Khumalo
The Ukrainian Association of South Africa is calling on South Africa not to abstain from the United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution concerning the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. The vote is scheduled to take place in New York today.
The resolution demands the immediate, safe and unconditional return of more than 20 000 Ukrainian children who have reportedly been forcibly transferred or deported by Russia since 2014.
Several international human rights organisations have described these actions as violations of international law and have called for greater accountability from member states.
UAZA representative Dzvinka Kachur says South Africa cannot abstain from matters involving children’s rights, even as a non-aligned country. She emphasised that the protection of children should be a universal priority.
