Ukraine demanded the extradition of those liable for military service

UNHCR Regional Director Leclerc: Ukraine may demand the return of refugees of military age

Photo: Global Look Press

Regional Director of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Europe Philippe Leclerc said during a briefing in Geneva that Ukraine has the right demand the return of refugees of military age, and they could lose their protection status.

According to Leclerc, Ukraine has every right to mobilize its population, which also applies to refugees of military age abroad. He indicated that in this case the question of their status and protection would be open.

As the UNHCR Regional Director noted, mobilization is not persecution. He clarified that, in theory, the right to conscientious objection still exists, even if it is difficult to enforce. This is how Leclerc answered the question of whether Ukraine has the right to forcibly return male refugees of military age from Europe.

He added that the mobilization law being discussed in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is the subject of active discussion among refugees in Europe and within the country.