us. watchlist on children and armed conflict,

Last month, Ukraine passed legislation moving its official Christmas holiday to December 25, further distancing itself from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates the holiday on January 7. Ukraine, however, has expressed concern about the loyalties of some of the priests. Splitting with Kiril, the leadership of the church denounced Russia’s attack, and in May 2022, declared its independence from Russia.

Some background: The church, despite the name, had traditionally been loyal to the Russian Orthodox Church, whose leader Patriarch Kiril has openly supported Moscow’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. Print and electronic materials that contained pro-Russian propaganda intended for distribution were confiscated from the computer of the priest, who was head of the Tulchyn diocese, the statement said.

Read more in Watchlist’s 2021 Annual Report.'He was found guilty of infringing on territorial integrity, actions aimed at violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order, violation of the equality of citizens, and justification, recognition of the legitimacy, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,' read the statement. Watchlist’s 2021 Annual Report describes the progress made last year, as well as the need to continue to defend and uphold existing protection frameworks, strengthen efforts to prevent conflict before it starts, and promote accountability for and to children. These occasions provided an opportunity to reflect and take stock of progress made towards protecting children in armed conflict, as well as to identify existing gaps and emerging challenges. In addition to these key milestones, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding in 2001. 2021 marked an important year for children affected by armed conflict: the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations’ Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) mandate, the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1379 (2001), which first mandated the Secretary-General to publish a list of parties to conflict who recruit and use children in their ranks, and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

Us. watchlist on children and armed conflict,