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UN Panel Questions Russia On Fate Of Ukrainian Children
On Monday, Moscow will face scrutiny at the United Nations as the Committee on the Rights of the Child, consisting of 18 independent experts, investigates the fate of thousands of Ukrainian children allegedly sent to Russia since the 2022 invasion.
The committee, in a regular review, aims to gain insights into Moscow’s actions and concerns outlined in a list sent in the first half of 2023.
Among the inquiries, the committee seeks clarification on the number of children evacuated to Russia or Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.
Additionally, they demand information on Moscow’s efforts to safeguard the identity of these children, including nationality, name, and family relations.
Kyiv estimates that around 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia, with Moscow justifying its actions as a means to protect them from the conflict. However, only a fraction—approximately 400 children—have been repatriated.
In response, Russia emphasized that placements for evacuated children are arranged with their consent, including those from national residential institutions for orphans and children without parental care.
Legal expert Kateryna Rashevska from a Ukrainian NGO hopes the committee will advocate for an “international legal mechanism” to identify and return the children promptly, expressing concerns about the current slow repatriation process.
The UN committee’s broader review of Russia includes discussions on obstacles to children’s freedom of association, assembly, and concerns about punitive actions against those participating in demonstrations, particularly related to the war in Ukraine.
Human Rights Watch, in a report to the committee, highlighted issues such as children’s freedom of expression, access to information, and discrimination linked to gender identity and sexual orientation inside Russia.
The committee also aims to address illegal or arbitrary detention of children, corporal punishment, and measures to preserve the cultural and linguistic identity of indigenous children.
Moscow will face inquiries about combating harmful practices in the North Caucasus, such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, abductions for forced marriages, and polygamy.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Center, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the spiritual capacity to transform Nigeria, describing it as a divine instrument capable of restoring hope and unity in the nation.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the cleric said music inspired by God’s Word can positively influence Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-political landscape by promoting peace, comfort and moral revival.
According to him, gospel music goes beyond entertainment and should be seen as a ministry tool for national healing.
ALSO READ: How Pastor Jerry Eze’s NSPPD Became The World’s Third Most-Watched YouTube Channel
“Gospel music is not just sound; it carries power. When songs are inspired by Scripture, they can heal hearts, restore faith and redirect a nation toward righteousness,” he said.
Pastor Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his latest worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a spiritually reflective song produced by Audio5.
He explained that the track was created to encourage believers to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain consistent fellowship with God.
The song draws inspiration from Luke 18:1, which urges believers to pray always and not lose heart.
A spiritual son of Paul Enenche, Pastor Tochukwu revealed that most of his songs are birthed from deep study of Scripture.
“Sometimes while studying or preaching from a passage, a melody begins to flow. The lyrics are drawn directly from the Word. Our songs are intentional; they carry the same message we preach,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted beginning as a drummer who also sang before discovering what he described as a divine instruction to minister through music.
“I realised that you don’t minister only through preaching. God made me understand that songs are another channel through which His Word can reach people. Every release is backed by Scripture,” he added.
Pastor Tochukwu currently serves in Lagos, combining pastoral leadership with music ministry.
The audio and video for “I Want To Pray” are now available on major digital streaming platforms.
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