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News | 19-02-2024 | 15:51
On 2 April 2024, the Netherlands, Ukraine and the European Commission will co-host an international conference on “Restoring Justice in Ukraine” at the World Forum in The Hague. Foreign ministers and justice ministers from countries involved in the fight for justice in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict will be able to express their support for long-term efforts to tackle impunity and compensate victims.
Russian aggression
For nearly two years, Ukraine has been resisting unprecedented Russian aggression. Day after day, the Russian regime attacks schools, hospitals and other civilian targets, killing and injuring civilians. People living in occupied areas tell stories of abuse, rape and kidnapping by Russians. The Netherlands and many other countries believe that such acts must not go unpunished and that justice must be served for all victims.
About the Conference
One aim of the meeting was to assess the significant progress made so far in documenting and investigating these crimes. Another aim was to further advance the four levels of Item 7 of President Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan, in which the Netherlands is playing a leading role at Ukraine’s request:
- Support Ukraine in investigating and prosecuting international crimes at the national level;
- Investigate and prosecute international crimes at the international level, including the crime of aggression;
- compensation for damages suffered;
- International coordination, cooperation and information sharing.
In addition to representatives of the Netherlands, Ukraine, the European Commission and invited countries, representatives of the International Criminal Court, the Council of Europe, the Register of Damage in Ukraine, Eurojust, the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine, the Joint Investigative Team Ukraine and Ukrainian NGOs will be present.
Truth and Justice in Ukraine
The Netherlands believes that it is of vital importance to achieve truth and justice for Ukraine and all victims of Russian aggression. The Netherlands therefore supports various initiatives in this regard, such as the investigations of the International Criminal Court and the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office into international crimes committed in Ukraine. In addition, the Netherlands has sent four forensic missions to Ukraine on behalf of the ICC. The Netherlands is also host to the Register of Damage for Ukraine and the International Centre for the Prosecution of Ukrainian Crimes of Aggression (ICPA), both based in The Hague. Under certain conditions, including broad international political and financial support and sufficient capacity, the Netherlands will also host a future Special Aggression Tribunal in The Hague. Furthermore, as various international initiatives must be coordinated, the Netherlands is working towards more effective coordination and information sharing, including through Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group.
In July 2022, the Netherlands will host Ukraine Accountability Conference To better communicate, coordinate and organize the accountability work being done by countries and organizations.
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