Ukrainian orphans who were evacuated to Turkey to escape the Russian invasion experienced abuse and neglect at the hotel where they were housed, according to an investigation.
Children from the Horlytsia orphanage, who huddled in basements as bombs exploded around them in February 2022, were told their evacuation to Turkey would be a dream come true. Instead, many faced mistreatment, inadequate care, and unsafe conditions in the Turkish hotel where they were placed.
Investigators documented numerous complaints from the children about the conditions they endured, including insufficient food, lack of proper medical care, and instances of physical and psychological mistreatment by staff. The children, who had already experienced the trauma of war and displacement, found themselves in a new environment that compounded their suffering.
The case has raised serious questions about the oversight of evacuation programs for vulnerable Ukrainian children and the responsibility of both Ukrainian and host country authorities to ensure their safety and well-being. Ukrainian officials have said they are reviewing the circumstances of children placed in foreign care facilities and strengthening monitoring mechanisms.