Invaders forcibly mobilizing locals in occupied territories - Ombudsperson

The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova addressed the issue on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

It is noted that the enemy has begun forced mobilization into the ranks of the illegitimate "people's militia" in some temporarily occupied territories. Male inhabitants are periodically detained at a checkpoint in Vasylivka, Zaporizhia region. A census of male residents is being run.

At the checkpoints leading to Melitopol, Russian occupiers force men to join the Russian army. The same is being done in Henichesk, Kherson region.

Collaborators from among Melitopol residents are believed to have provided Russian invaders with lists of addresses where male citizens reside.

Forced mobilization in the occupied territories is a violation of Article 51 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. It strictly prohibits the occupying State from forcing persons under protection, i.e. those under the control of a party to the conflict or an occupying State of which they are not nationals, to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces.

Denisova appealed to the UN Commission investigating human rights violations committed during Russia’s military attack on Ukraine and an expert mission set up by OSCE participating States under the Moscow Mechanism to take into account these facts of war crimes and human rights violations.

As reported, Denisova reported on April 7 that the occupiers were forcibly mobilizing men on the outskirts of Mariupol, the area temporarily controlled by Russian invaders.