Kiev / Lugansk (ICRC) – Today six 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 Schastie, at the line of contact.
"The exchange that took place today allowed six families to reunite after a long time," said Alain Aeschlimann, head of the ICRC's delegation in Ukraine. "The authorities led the process, requesting the ICRC to act as a neutral intermediary. We were ready to act and we remain ready to provide support for similar operations in the future."
This is the fifth time this year that the ICRC has participated in the release and transfer of detainees held in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. Acting in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC participated in the release and transfer at the request of the parties. Delegates were able to speak in private with all concerned detainees before their release.
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 possible issues of concern related to the conditions of detention or treatment of detainees.
For further information, please contact:
Marie-Servane Desjongueres (English and French only), ICRC Kiev, tel: +380 67 509 61 31
Sanela Bajrambasic ICRC Lugansk, tel: +380 50 315 04 60