(ANSA) - ROME, 01 SEPT - With a 71-page report published today, Human Rights Watch documents the mandatory security screenings (filtrations) and forced transfers of Ukrainian civilians to Russia or areas occupied by Moscow, recalling that these transfers constitute war criminals and potential crimes against humanity.
The non-governmental organization made the accusations after hearing the words of dozens of people who fled the fighting in the areas of Mariupol or Kharkiv, in the south and east of Ukraine, invaded by Russian and separatist troops.
According to reports, "many of those displaced from Russia were fleeing the besieged port city of Mariupol."
Although the total number of Ukrainian civilians transferred to Russia "remains uncertain", explains the organization, "many have been displaced and transported in a way and context that makes illegal forced transfers".
In mid-August, Mediarussians reported that over 3.4 million Ukrainians had entered Russia from Ukraine, including 555,000 children.
(HANDLE).
