Ukraine crisis: ICRC facilitates release and transfer of nine conflict-related detainees
| Publisher | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Publication Date | 20 February 2016 |
| Cite as | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ukraine crisis: ICRC facilitates release and transfer of nine conflict-related detainees, 20 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56d009864.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Today, nine detainees held in connection with the conflict in Ukraine were released with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and transferred back to their place of origin.
The handover took place near the town of Marinka, at the line which divides government and non-government controlled territories.
"We are very happy for the detainees and their families. This is an important day for all of them," said Bruno Pommier, deputy head of the ICRC's delegation in Ukraine. "The ICRC is ready to provide support for similar operations in the future."
This is the third time that the ICRC has participated in the release and transfer of detainees held in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC facilitated the release and transfer in consultation with all parties and held discussions in private with all detainees concerned prior to their release, notably to ascertain their willingness to be transferred.
The ICRC also seeks to regularly visit detainees in the places where they are being held in order to monitor their conditions and treatment. The organization works in a confidential manner with those in charge of detention matters to discuss issues that arise in relation with these visits.
