European states are taking steps to accommodate the influx of refugees, but they must ramp up quickly and ensure safe passage to their territory. They must also ensure that their response is as humane as possible. As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, people of all nationalities are at risk.
Human rights monitoring mission documents serious violations of international humanitarian law
A human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine has documented serious violations of international humanitarian law in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
During its visit to Ukraine, the monitoring mission met with human rights defenders, civil society groups, and government officials. It also met with the Ukrainian Parliament and its Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, which is equivalent to an ombudsman. The Human Rights House Foundation called on PACE to support the work of the Ukrainian justice system and call on the Ukrainian authorities to abide by international human rights standards.
The second mission of the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine visited the conflict zone on June 20 and 23. The mission visited three towns, Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel, and met with witnesses and government representatives. The monitoring mission also documented serious violations of international humanitarian law by the Ukrainian armed forces.
The recent upheavals in Europe have defined a new configuration of power. Nevertheless, the war waged by the Russian Federation in Ukraine is a war of brutality. This war must be viewed through the prism of existing trends, proven models, and consequences. In the wake of the crisis, many European nations took unconventional decisions to address the situation.
According to international humanitarian law, prisoners of war must be treated with respect by all parties to the conflict. This applies to the detention of captured Ukrainian soldiers. However, prisoners of war should not be made public, as this can jeopardise their return home and cause problems for their families. The International Committee of the Red Cross states that it is against the law to transmit, publish, or broadcast materials that identify prisoners.
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has been confronted with several challenges. First, the illegal occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol was the Kremlin’s first move to erode Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Second, the Kremlin believes that a democratic Ukraine is a threat to its authoritarian regime. And third, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a major step towards destabilizing the eastern and southern regions of the country. In April, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced the creation of a new quasi-state in the region known as Novorossiya.
France condemns Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and supports the ICC’s work. It will make judges and investigators available to the Prosecutor. It will also provide exceptional financial assistance to the ICC. France is already the third-largest contributor to the ICC’s budget.
The Russian Federation has a responsibility to protect the civilians in Donbas. The conflict has escalated in a way that is harmful to the civilian population. It has displaced millions of civilians, including children, and exposed millions to violence and grave human rights violations. If Russia wants to maintain peace in the region, it must stop its aggression and protect its civilians.
ICC Prosecutor won’t investigate crime of aggression
Ukraine’s government has repeatedly resisted calls for respect for international law and human rights. The United Nations, however, has strongly encouraged respect for international law in the wake of a series of deadly attacks on Ukrainian journalists and civil society activists. Ukraine has the highest number of journalists per capita in the world, with more than two thousand working in the country. In recent years, there have been more than one dozen cases of attack on journalists in the country.
The situation in Ukraine is a perfect example of how international law and international politics are entwined. These two bodies work together to create the rules that govern the international community. They are agreed upon through complicated political processes and reinforced through observance. If these rules are repeatedly violated, however, the international community may be weakened.
Russia has committed serious violations of international law by using force in Ukraine. This is an escalation of a dangerous situation and violates international law’s prohibition on force. Its actions in Ukraine also serve as a stark reminder of the many violations of international law committed by the United States and its allies over the past fifty years.
The UN Security Council needs to take action now to hold Russia accountable for the war crimes committed by its forces in the Ukraine conflict. This session should also call for an end to Russian aggression in the region. It should also focus on the militarization of a nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, which Russia has said could have catastrophic consequences in the area.
Ukraine’s government has a semi-presidential structure and unicameral legislature. The executive is led by a directly elected president, while the parliament elects a prime minister by a majority of lawmakers. It also has a judiciary. The latest presidential elections in Ukraine were held in April. The country’s legislature will hold early parliamentary elections in July.
Ukraine has a significant number of civilians living near the contact line. This means that there is a constant risk of civilian death and injury. Moreover, property and critical civilian infrastructure are being damaged.
European states are taking the right steps to prepare for people forced to flee
Governments across Europe are showing solidarity with the people who have fled the deadly attacks in Ukraine by granting temporary protection and a secure status. This tragedy should serve as a lasting reminder of the values that European states uphold and are committed to. However, these measures must be complemented with the same commitment, preparedness, and humanitarian leadership to respond to similar displacement situations elsewhere. In particular, people who have fled to Europe have often faced detention, violence, and a lack of international protection.
On 3 March, the European Commission issued new guidelines for external border management, which include loosening border controls, increasing flexibility in entry requirements, and authorizing entry for people on humanitarian grounds. Among these measures are the removal of quarantine rules for people from outside the EU.
As the numbers of refugees increase, the EU must invest in the right measures to protect them and provide adequate support. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has identified eight priority actions that all member states must take to support the vulnerable people. The European Union should also ensure that refugees are treated in a dignified and safe environment, and that they have immediate access to essential services and protection. The EU should also make sure that adequate access to legal aid and information is provided so that those who are forced to flee are aware of their rights and can exercise their rights. In addition, it is vital that asylum seekers receive quality psychosocial support.
The suffering of the people of Ukraine presents a moral challenge to Europe and the world. Human rights have been violated and values mocked, and indifference to this situation is not an option. It is time for the international community to take the right steps to respond to the suffering of the people of Ukraine.
As the situation continues to deteriorate and the humanitarian crisis persists, it is crucial for European states to expand their capacity to receive refugees and make sure that they are prepared for future arrivals. As a result, they should consider amending their recently agreed National Recovery and Resilience Plans to accommodate new arrivals. They should also consider new investments within their existing structures to help support the newly established communities.
