As of information available a project “Train of Hope – Crimea” is implemented in AR Crimea. The project is implemented under auspice of Russian non-governmental organizations. The goal of this project is adoption of orphans and children, which parents were deprived of parental care, by citizens of Russian Federation. These children are citizens of Ukraine and live on the territory of Crimea.

Chapter 21 of UN Convention “On Children Rights” stipulates that states, which recognize or permit existence of the adoption system, must ensure that such adoption would take place only by approval of the competent authority.

The Chapter 283 of the Family Code of Ukraine requires that adoption of the children of Ukrainian citizens by foreign citizens must take place by approval of the Central Government Executive body, which is responsible for the state policy concerning adoption and protection of children rights (In Ukraine such body is the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine).

Ukrainian side has to express it strong and definite protest regarding such actions to the mentioned categories of children – citizens of Ukraine, which take place with the violation of the international law and Ukrainian legislation. These actions are carried out without obeying necessary procedures in this sphere. Ukrainian side is also draws ones attention that such adoption is illegal and has no juridical importance.

Ukrainian side requires from Russian side to act according to its international legal obligations and use all available means to prevent illegal adoption of Ukrainian citizens by foreigners and their illegal trafficking from the territory of Ukraine.

We urge all international community to condemn unlawful actions by Russia, which lead to systematic violation of children’s rights and freedoms.