Canada announces new sanctions over alleged human rights violations in Ukraine war

The measures were unveiled during the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels, co-hosted by Canada, the European Union and Ukraine.

According to a statement,  the sanctions target 23 individuals and five entities allegedly connected to the unlawful deportation, forced transfer, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced an additional C$3.4 million in funding for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine through 2027.

“We must work together on new technologies — including tracing systems and artificial intelligence — not only to identify Ukrainian children, but to bring them home and support their rehabilitation”, Anand said.

The funding will support monitoring, reporting and advocacy efforts related to alleged abuses arising from the conflict, including displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure, Global Affairs Canada said.

The Canadian government said the latest measures bring the total number of individuals and entities sanctioned by Canada over alleged violations involving Ukrainian children to more than 100.

Canada also signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, becoming the first non-European country to join the initiative.

The proposed commission is intended to assess compensation claims tied to damage, injury and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion since February 2022.

Under the framework, Canadians, Ukrainians living in Canada and Canadian companies affected by the war may submit claims through the Register of Damage for Ukraine once the commission becomes operational.

The announcements come as Western allies continue efforts to increase pressure on Moscow while expanding humanitarian and legal support mechanisms related to the war in Ukraine.