Ukraine: ICRC participates in the release and transfer of nine conflict-related detainees

Kiev/Donetsk (ICRC) – Today, nine detainees held in connection with the conflict in Ukraine were released and transferred back to their place of origin. The handover took place with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) near the town of Schastie, at the line which divides government and non-government controlled territories.

“Today is an important day for the families and the detainees concerned” said Alain Aeschlimann, head of the ICRC’s delegation in Ukraine. “Activities in favour of persons detained in relation to an armed conflict are at the core of the ICRC’s work. In our capacity of neutral intermediary, we are ready to provide support for similar transfers in the future.”
This is the fourth 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 process at the request of all parties.

The ICRC 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 possible issues of concern related to the conditions of detention or treatment of detainees.

For further information, please contact:
Matthias Weinreich, ICRC Kiev, tel: +380 67 509 42 06,
Sanela Bajrambasic, ICRC Donetsk, tel: +38 050 315 04 60

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