In occupied Crimea, the Russian Federation forcibly mobilizes men for war against Ukraine, - Denisova

This was announced by the Ombudsman Lyudmila Denisova.

Traditionally, the conscription campaign in Crimea should start in April, but on March 29 in Simferopol, the invaders planned an instructional and methodical meeting with the chairmen of conscription commissions, military commissars of districts, and other officials and personnel involved in the conscription campaign.

"Crimeans are already actively receiving summonses. To avoid criminal orders, men of military age are trying to leave the territory of the peninsula through Russia, as the road to the mainland of Ukraine is closed", said Lyudmila Denisova.

Crimean Tatars, who cannot lay down their arms because of Russian threats to use force against their relatives, are also being sent to war.

"Forced mobilization is prohibited by international humanitarian law, Article 51 IV of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, which prohibits the occupying Power from forcing persons under protection, ie those in conflict or non-nationals, yes, to serve in its armed forces or auxiliary forces", the ombudswoman stressed.

She appealed to the world community to respond to this fact to increase the sanctions pressure on Russia to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine from invading troops and de-occupation of territories.