Ukrainian Children Displaced by War Allegedly Abused in Turkey: Outrage and Debate
Following Russia’s invasion, 510 Ukrainian children were brought to Turkey under the “Childhood Without War” project, where an investigation by Agos and Slidstvo.Info revealed alleged abuse at a hotel in Antalya. The investigation, prompted by a March 2024 inspection, documented instances of abuse and neglect, including two girls who became pregnant due to sexual abuse by hotel staff. Despite these findings, investigations in both Turkey and Ukraine were closed without charges, and the “Childhood Without War” project was terminated. Experts highlight that Turkey, as a signatory to international child protection conventions, has a responsibility to investigate and punish rights violations against children within its borders.
John Q. Hosedrinker