Ukraine crisis: ICRC facilitates release and transfer of nine conflict-related detainees

20 February 2016

Kiev/Donetsk (ICRC) – Today, nine detainees held in connection with the conflict in Ukraine were released with the participation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and transferred back to their place of origin.

The handover took place near the town of Marinka, at the line which divides government and non-government controlled territories.

"We are very happy for the detainees and their families. This is an important day for all of them," said Bruno Pommier, deputy head of the ICRC's delegation in Ukraine. "The ICRC is ready to provide support for similar operations in the future."

This is the third time that the ICRC has participated in the release and transfer of detainees held in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC facilitated the release and transfer in consultation with all parties and held discussions in private with all detainees concerned prior to their release, notably to ascertain their willingness to be transferred.

The ICRC also seeks to regularly visit detainees in the places where they are being held in order to monitor their conditions and treatment. The organization works in a confidential manner with those in charge of detention matters to discuss issues that arise in relation with these visits.

For further information, please contact:

Matthias Weinreich, ICRC Kiev, tel: +380 67 509 42 06,

Yurii Orlov ICRC Donetsk, tel: +380 50 410 30 38