Statements | CivilMPlus https://civilmplus.org/en/ The CivilMPlus Platform condemns Russia's criminal war against Ukraine unleashed by Putin's regime and calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the aggression immediately and to appear before an international tribunal. Appearing up voluntarily could mitigate the sentence. Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:52:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 CivilMPlus platform statement on the anniversary of the start of the full-scale Russian invasion https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/civilmplus-platform-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-the-start-of-the-full-scale-russian-invasion/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:52:48 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=10711 Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 brought...

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Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 brought war to Europe and conclusively demonstrated the following to the international democratic community:

  • The policy of imperial revanchism, deliberately pursued by the Russian state under the leadership of President Putin, is a serious risk to the democratic world order and security in Europe and throughout the world.
  • The lack of a clear response from international institutions to violations of international agreements encourages new aggression and exacerbates its consequences.

The war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine since 2014 has already claimed the lives of thousands of people in Ukraine. The Russian leadership continues to grossly violate numerous international norms and agreements. Among other things, the Russian authorities and their supporters are responsible for the abduction and illegal detention of Ukrainian citizens, torture, murder, the creation of filtration camps, the removal of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation and their adoption there. Tens of thousands of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian norms have been recorded, which were committed by the military personnel of the Russian army during the occupation of the territories of Ukraine.

The work of eliminating the numerous consequences of the war, such as demining territories, restoring infrastructure, helping traumatised people and restoring the rights of victims of the war, will require serious investments by the Ukrainian state and the international community for many decades to come.

The international platform CivilMPlus stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom, independence and democracy and calls on the international community for collective active and diverse support of Ukraine based on the following principles:

  1. The restoration of Ukraine within the borders of 1991 is a necessary condition for the end of the war.
  2. Those guilty of crimes in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine must be brought to justice.
  • The establishment of a special tribunal and the use of universal jurisdiction tools to bring the perpetrators to justice in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine is an important signal of the viability of the international justice system and demonstrates the political will of leading democratic leaders.
  • International financial and technical support for the national justice system of Ukraine, also including the activities of civil initiatives that document the war crimes of the Russian army in Ukraine, will allow for a quality process of restoring justice and investigating a large array of crimes at the national level.
  • Russian citizens who support the aggressive imperial policy of the Putin regime are collectively responsible for the crimes of the Russian state in the war against Ukraine.
  1. Ukraine is a European democracy.
  • Despite the war, Ukraine is working to rebuild its destroyed infrastructure, prepare for post-war reconstruction processes, and continue to develop democratic institutions on the path to European integration. The support of the EU and the participation of civil society in this process is an important guarantee for the success of reforms and stabilization.
  • The processes of restoration and normalization of social and political life in the liberated Ukrainian territories should take into account the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights.
  • Citizen participation in local government, the development of local civic activism and entrepreneurial activity are important support for decentralization reforms, the restoration of effective public administration structures and social peace.
  • The full involvement of Ukrainian civic activists in international networks and the strengthening of existing international partnerships is an important factor for developing shared values and continuing the process of democratization in Ukraine.

4. The demilitarization of the regime in Russia, the democratization of the country, the rejection of the imperial ideology and the real right to self-determination will be important elements to avoid the resumption of Russia’s expansionist policy in the future.

The CivilMPlus platform is an association of independent non-governmental organizations and experts from different countries and with different views that supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The actions and positions of the platform participants are based on the values of freedom and democracy, which Ukrainians are defending today.

The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organizations.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected].

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CivilMPlus calls on the G20 to restore international order, support Ukraine and involve civil society in the reconstruction process https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/civilmplus-calls-on-the-g20-to-restore-international-order-support-ukraine-and-involve-civil-society-in-the-reconstruction-process/ Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:18:06 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=10383 In parallel with our 4th International Forum on European Ukraine,...

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In parallel with our 4th International Forum on European Ukraine, which brings together key civil society actors from Ukraine and other European countries to discuss steps to end the war, support the population and rebuild the country, the leaders of the world’s major economies are meeting at the G20 Summit in Indonesia. Under the motto “Recover Together, Recover Stronger” the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine will also be a major topic, as it threatens the continuation of a stable international security architecture and the acceptance of international law.

As representatives of Ukrainian civil society and its European partners, we welcome the international efforts for peace as well as the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and also the willingness of states to help Ukraine in its reconstruction. However, we also have clear expectations of the international community.

Decisions on Ukraine not over Ukrainian heads

Russian aggression against Ukraine did not start on 24 February this year, but already with the invasion of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014. The past teaches us: a political freezing of the conflict does not end the war, but prolongs it into the future. At the same time, it hinders Ukraine’s development. It is therefore right to leave it up to Ukraine to decide when to negotiate and under what conditions. The international demands for peace must be directed at the Russian side: immediate ceasefire, complete withdrawal of the Russian army and the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty within the borders of 1991. Furthermore, comprehensive security guarantees are needed to prevent possible new conflicts. Ukraine’s overwhelming will for European and Euro-Atlantic integration must be taken into account.

Ukraine’s vibrant civil society and its involvement in the reconstruction of the country

Ukraine is home to a particularly active civil society which has been a guarantor of the country’s democratic development for many years. Whenever democratic principles were undermined by fraud or corruption, civil society offered resolute resistance. And it has always accompanied political reforms critically and constructively. It protects human rights, provides political education and articulates socio-political developments and needs from Ukraine. Even in the ongoing war, Ukrainian civil society contributes significantly to the country’s resilience against the invasion. It provides humanitarian aid, document war crimes, organize the exchange of information and also mobilize international political, military, humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine.

The potential of this civil society should be used now – during the war – and also in the reconstruction of Ukraine, its ongoing need for democratization and the country’s European integration. Civil society in Ukraine can make a decisive contribution if it is closely involved in decision-making at all levels.

The united and decisive support of the entire democratic world is required to stop the Russian aggression. For a free and democratic Ukraine and for a peaceful coexistence of democratic nations!

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Statement of the CivilMPlus platform in connection with the annexation of the occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/statement-of-the-civilmplus-platform-in-connection-with-the-annexation-of-the-occupied-territories-of-ukraine-by-russia/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:19:25 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=9879 Non-recognition of the Russian annexation, joint international support for Ukraine...

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Non-recognition of the Russian annexation, joint international support for Ukraine and toughening of sanctions is the only acceptable response to the armed aggression and occupation of the Russian territories of Ukraine.

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus states that the repetition of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories, as happened with Crimea in 2014, is another case of gross violations of international laws guaranteeing territorial integrity and sovereignty, both for Ukraine and other states that have become the object of Russian aggression since Vladimir Putin came to power. 

We call on politicians, public figures and citizens of the countries of the world to publicly condemn the annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories and to hold the Russian leadership accountable for these actions. The lack of a proper reaction from the international community to the co-opting of a sovereign state’s territories through military aggression creates dangerous precedents for the fulfillment of territorial ambitions by other states and provokes further destabilization of the global security architecture.

Vladimir Putin and his accomplices are personally responsible for the lives and well-being of millions of Ukrainians who became victims of the treacherous military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, who lost loved ones, their homes and health, chances for education and a peaceful childhood during the war. Having unleashed a bloody war on the territory of a neighboring state, the leadership of the Russian Federation is damaging peaceful development on the European continent, taking away huge resources from victim support in the world’s crisis regions and developing countries and the prevention of global catastrophes, and at the same time is destroying the foundations of peace and prosperity in Russia itself, instilling fear and forcing citizens to leave their own country. Strategists, propagandists and executors of the Russian military expansion policy will answer for their actions before an international tribunal.

Active, consistent and comprehensive support for Ukraine in repelling the armed attack, restoring territorial integrity and infrastructure, and developing a democratic, inclusive society is a natural response to the Kremlin’s post-colonial policy. The restoration of international norms and the protection of the democratic rights and freedoms of the civilian population of Ukraine are a fundamental guideline for political decision-making by international institutions and the political elites of democratic states.

Ukrainian society needs active, daily and decisive support, including political, military, humanitarian and financial assistance. Ahead of us is the #WinterofSolidarity – solidarity with Ukrainians who have lost warm housing, an established and peaceful life, as well as with all those affected by the war.

When speaking about Russia, it is important to distinguish between the political regime with its accomplices and supporters and that part of the population that does not support the war and the imperialist ideology behind it. We call on Russian society, both inside and outside the country, to recognize its responsibility for the actions taken on behalf of the Russian people, for their devastating consequences, and to actively oppose the crimes of the Russian state in Ukraine and other countries.

 

The CivilMPlus platform is an association of public organizations and experts from different countries and with different views that supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The actions and positions of the platform participants are based on the values ​​of freedom and democracy, which Ukrainians are defending today.

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017 through the efforts of civil activists from different countries. It includes organizations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Russia and other European countries. 

The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organizations. 

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

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CivilMPlus platform statement on Russia holding so-called “referendums” in the occupied territories of Ukraine https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/civilmplus-platform-statement-on-russia-holding-so-called-referendums-in-the-occupied-territories-of-ukraine/ Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:35:53 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=9864 29.09.2022 Since September 23, 2022, Russia has been holding fictitious...

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29.09.2022

Since September 23, 2022, Russia has been holding fictitious “referendums” on joining Russia in the parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine seized by Russian troops. In the same territories, the forced mobilization of local residents by Russia continues, and on September 21, at the same time as the “referendums” were announced, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the partial mobilization of Russians.

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus, which brings together civil society actors in Europe to overcome Russia’s war against Ukraine and establish a democratic peace in Europe, strongly condemns such actions:

  • Holding such fictitious “votes” on the internationally recognized territory of another state is a gross violation of international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
  • The so-called “referendums” in the occupied territories of Ukraine have nothing to do with free expression of will: exit routes out of settlements are closed, ballots are brought to people at their place of residence, and they are forced to vote in the presence of representatives of the occupation administrations or armed military;
  • The new annexation of the territories of the neighboring country, as well as the partial mobilization announced in the Russian Federation, contradict the previous statements of the Russian leadership about their readiness for dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities and to end the war unleashed by the Kremlin;
  • The ongoing forced mobilization of residents of the occupied territories of Ukraine is a war crime. Forcing citizens of an opposing side to take part in hostilities against their own side is contrary to international norms and rules of warfare.

We call on governments and civil societies around the world, in particular the G7 countries, the European Union and its member states to:

  • Expand, following the example of the UK, the sanctions regime against persons responsible for the “referendums” and their preparation, including citizens of Ukraine who work for the occupation administrations in the occupied territories of their country and citizens of third countries who contribute to the holding of such “referendums” through their presence, including as “observers”;
  • Continue the policy of not recognizing the “referendums” and considering their results as null and void;
  • Work together to bring to justice the perpetrators of the ongoing practice of forced mobilization of the local population in the occupied territories of Ukraine;
  • Strengthen international support for Ukraine and its resistance to Russian aggression.

We support the statements of the Ukrainian authorities on the non-prosecution of residents of the occupied territories of Ukraine who have been forcibly mobilized by Russian forces, have not committed crimes and voluntarily surrendered. 

Support for Ukraine’s struggle against the Russian invasion to preserve its independence and territorial integrity, as well as its post-war reconstruction and democratic development is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable peace, security and prosperity in Europe. Another condition for this is the end of the current regime in Russia, its transition to a democratic path of development and the rejection of imperial ideology.

 

The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organizations. 

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

 

The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017 through the efforts of civil activists from different countries. It includes organizations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Russia and other European countries.

As an association of public organizations and experts from different countries and with different views, the CivilMPlus platform supports the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The actions and positions of the platform are based on the values ​​of freedom and democracy, for which millions of Ukrainians risk their lives every day.

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Open Statement of the participants of CivilMPlus platform and European civil society organisations on granting Ukraine EU candidate status https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/open-statement-of-the-participants-of-civilmplus-platform-and-european-civil-society-organisations-on-granting-ukraine-eu-candidate-status/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:48:09 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=9289 13.06.2022 The undersigned participants of the international independent civil society...

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13.06.2022

The undersigned participants of the international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus and the European, including Ukrainian, civil society organisations declare their full support for granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for European Union membership and call on the EU member states to approve Ukraine’s application for it.

Cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union began more than 28 years ago with the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, continued within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and reached its most active phase in 2014 with the signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. In 2013-2014, Ukrainian society made its choice to follow the principles of freedom, democratic values and a European path of development. The undeniable evidence of that was shown with the protests that went down in history as the ‘Revolution of Dignity’. Since 2014, and especially since 24 February 2022, Ukrainians have demonstrated their willingness to defend this choice, even at the cost of their own lives. Despite the difficulties caused by Russian aggression and thanks to international support, Ukraine has shown significant progress over the last eight years in the development of democratic institutions, civil society and reforms. Since 2014, Ukraine has considerably advanced in adapting its legislation to EU standards and reforms in various areas –  from energy and transport, decentralisation of power, human rights and equality, to the judiciary system and the launch of anti-corruption mechanisms. 

We believe that these reform successes provide a sufficient basis for Ukraine to be formally granted EU candidate country status. Ukraine does not expect exemptions due to the war. The Ukrainians’ heroic resistance to the armed aggression by the Russian Federation is, among other things, proof of their commitment to the values of democracy and European ideals, which the Ukrainian people are not prepared to abandon even at the risk of death. The need to defend independence and the right to self-determination has reinforced the active development of civil society and self-government structures – institutions that usually take much longer to develop in times of transformation, and are key to stabilising the democratic foundations of the state. 

The granting of candidate status gives Ukraine the green light to undertake an ambitious and comprehensive agenda of reforms in close cooperation with the EU. The duration of this process largely depends on Ukraine itself. At the same time, the incentives of candidate status will help Ukraine continue its reforms and give current EU member states a strong, progressive, democratic neighbour that shares the legal values of Europe’s common space.

The EU’s support for Ukraine’s reforms and the identification of prerequisites for the start of future accession negotiations is an important and necessary signal for a young democracy that has been subjected to post-colonial policies by the neighbouring authoritarian regime of the Russian Federation. 

Granting candidate status will give a major impetus to Ukraine’s reforms, send a signal to investors and help facilitate the country’s post-war recovery. Greater economic and political stability in Ukraine will reduce the need for EU financial assistance in the future. Yet candidate status does not imply any additional EU funding. 

Approval of Ukraine’s application will demonstrate the reliability, consistency and clear perspective of the European community’s support for countries that have chosen the democratic path of development, and will reinforce democratic trends in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. It would thus set a positive precedent motivating democratic and opposition forces in Russia and Belarus to act. 

Granting candidate country status to Ukraine is a practical affirmation of the EU’s willingness to signify its unity in a peaceful way and to reject the communication based on ultimatums and blackmail regarding its foreign and domestic policies. 

Non-governmental organisations from European, including Ukrainian, civil societies are confident that the urgent granting of candidate status to Ukraine is the right and effective signal to democratic and pro-European forces throughout Eastern Europe and will have a positive impact on the development and strengthening of the EU itself in the future.

 

The statement is signed by:

Assemblée Européenne des Citoyens (France)

Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine)

Centre of Public Initiatives “Ideas for Change” (Ukraine)

Country of Free People (Ukraine)

DRA e.V. (Germany)

Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland)

International Partnership for Human Rights (Belgium)

Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (Ukraine)

MEMORIAL Deutschland e.V. (Germany)

Truth Hounds (Ukraine)

Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union (Ukraine)

___

For additional information or to sign the statement, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

The independent international civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017. It includes organisations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and France.

CivilMPlus in social media:

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Position of the participants of the CivilMPlus platform on EU assistance to Ukraine https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/position-of-the-participants-of-the-civilmplus-platform-on-eu-assistance-to-ukraine/ Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:19:54 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=8453 Participants of the International Independent Civil Society Platform CivilMPlus from...

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Participants of the International Independent Civil Society Platform CivilMPlus from Ukraine and the EU member states unequivocally condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine and consider Russia an aggressor country, headed by Vladimir Putin, as well as many other government officials and the military, who are responsible for war crimes, crimes against international law and against humanity committed by Russia in Ukraine since 2014.

We call on Russia and its leadership to immediately stop the aggression and start full-fledged peace negotiations.

From the very beginning of the new large-scale escalation of the war, the work of the platform has been focused on supporting our Ukrainian participants and their partner networks, who, together with millions of other Ukrainians, directly feel all the horrors of the war and the crimes of the Russian army and other security forces.

We have also launched active advocacy activities aimed at ensuring support of Ukraine by the countries of the European Union.

Now Ukraine is waging a hard fight not only for its own survival, but for the survival of the entire free and democratic world, literally defending universal values. The unity of the EU member states in the issue of unequivocal and resolute support for Ukrainians is extremely important, namely:

  • Military support of the Ukrainian state, which is waging a defensive war against a foreign invader. Such assistance includes defensive equipment, small arms, anti-tank, anti-aircraft and heavy weapons. Ukraine must be given the opportunity to close its skies and protect civilians. The urgent provision of combat aircraft and air defence systems, as requested by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, could mean the difference between life and death for thousands of civilians, including hundreds of children.
  • Humanitarian support of the population of Ukraine, a significant part of which was forced to leave their homes due to the war.
  • Political support, in particular, the decision to urgently grant Ukraine the status of an EU candidate country, and later an EU member under a special speedup procedure. The introduction of tough sanctions: against the head of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, the military leadership of the Russian Federation, and against Russia – the aggressor state, the continuation of economic ties with which results in indirect financing of the war. The refusal to buy Russian energy resources by all EU countries is an important lever of pressure, despite the possible inconvenience to the citizens of these countries – this could not only help to save the lives of Ukrainians, but also will be a long-term contribution to their own security in the face of the unpredictability of the Kremlin. Europe has the power to significantly influence Russia’s ability to continue this war and force it to stop, withdraw its troops and sit down at the negotiating table.
  • Support for the economy and financial stability of Ukraine. After the war, assistance will be required in the comprehensive reconstruction of Ukraine, including through assistance in obtaining reparations from Russia.

Many EU member states and their societies provide excellent examples of strong support of Ukraine’s defensive capability. At the same time, the leading economies of the European Union – Germany and France – still consider it possible to do business with Russia or not provide effective support to Ukraine, especially in matters of arms supplies.

The understanding in Western societies of the threat that Russia poses now and the role that Ukraine is playing in taking the brunt of Putin’s war machine is a prerequisite for the security of the inhabitants of Western democracies in the future.

Statements by some Western European politicians that the responsibility for the war lies solely with Putin are an unforgivable simplification in matters of personal and collective responsibility for unleashing and waging an aggressive war, war crimes and violations of international law. Today, millions of Russians bear collective and personal responsibility both for starting the war in Ukraine and for its speedy end. In the future, the Russian people will have to compensate for the losses of Ukraine.

Russia’s losses in this war are not only soldiers and huge amounts of funds spent on armaments, but also an outflow of human resources, in particular a large number of representatives of Russian civil society, journalists, academic circles with a critical vision of the actions of their government, who were taking an anti-war position and conducting activities aimed at supporting Ukraine, observation of the international law by Russia and change of the attitude of Russian society towards war.

We sincerely wish Ukraine a speedy victory in this war for freedom, law and justice!

Glory to Ukraine and its defenders!

 

The member organisations of the platform that have signed this statement:

International Partnership for Human Rights (Belgium)

MEMORIAL Deutschland e.V. (Germany)

DRA e.V. (Germany)

Assemblée Européenne des Citoyens (France)

Centre of Public Initiatives “Ideas for Change” (Ukraine)

Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union (Ukraine)

Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine)

Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (Ukraine)

Country of Free People (Ukraine)

Luhansk Oblast Human Rights Center “Alternativa” (Ukraine)

Truth Hounds (Ukraine)

___

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

The independent international civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017. It includes organisations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and France.

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How to help Ukraine? Useful links to initiatives and organisations https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/how-to-help-ukraine-useful-links-to-initiatives-and-organisations/ Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:14:54 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=8403 War seems hopeless and we all might feel that there...

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War seems hopeless and we all might feel that there is nothing we can do. However, each of us can offer support during this war, where Russia invaded Ukraine, an independent and sovereign country.

To find out ways to help please follow: https://bit.ly/3tjX6K7

Remember, our joint effort can help to make a difference!

#WeStandWithUkraine

 

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Putin! Stop the war! https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/putin-stop-the-war/ Fri, 25 Feb 2022 22:46:55 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=8387 The CivilMPlus Platform condemns Russia’s criminal war against Ukraine unleashed...

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The CivilMPlus Platform condemns Russia’s criminal war against Ukraine unleashed by Putin’s regime and calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the aggression immediately and to appear before an international tribunal. Appearing up voluntarily could mitigate the sentence. 

We call on the world community to IMMEDIATELY:

– Introduce a no-fly zone over Ukraine

– Disconnect ALL banks in Russia and Belarus from SWIFT

Russian, Belarusian people – do what you can to stop the war – go out to protest, make the authorities hear you, don’t let your media trick you!

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CivilMPlus platform statement on the need to actively counter the escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine and provide reliable support for Ukraine from the international community https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/civilmplus-platform-statement-on-the-need-to-actively-counter-the-escalating-conflict-in-eastern-ukraine-and-provide-reliable-support-for-ukraine-from-the-international-community/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:18:50 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=8357 23.02.2022 The International Independent Civil Society Platform CivilMPlus, whose mission...

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23.02.2022

The International Independent Civil Society Platform CivilMPlus, whose mission is to jointly work towards conflict resolution in eastern Ukraine, condemns the decision of the Russian leadership to recognise the independence of the so-called ‘Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics’.

This decision is a gross violation of international law, as well as of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It completely contradicts the commitments made by Russian officials as part of the Minsk agreements. It jeopardises the continuation of the peace negotiations towards conflict resolution at the diplomatic level.

We call on the international community, in particular the member states of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and other democratic countries to:

– Immediately respond and enforce the threat of sanctions that have been announced, especially the ones directly related to assets and affecting the economic interests of the Russian political elite outside the Russian Federation.

– Provide full support to Ukraine in the economic and political spheres, as well as ensuring that air corridors between Ukraine and its western neighbours are maintained.

We welcome the German Government’s decision to halt the certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, but this measure is not sufficient, the project must be formally abandoned.

We call on civil society and media representatives to:

– Actively engage in the processes of monitoring human rights violations related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

– Document the spread of fake information about the situation in and around Ukraine and the armed conflict, including any attempts to discredit or manipulate democratic institutions. This also refers to false interpretations of international norms in order to try to justify the presence of Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

– Identify the presence of the Russian leadership’s assets abroad and work with local state authorities to ensure they are sanctioned.

Preserving people’s lives and guaranteeing their safety is an absolute priority for all involved in the political decision-making process. We call on the parties to the conflict to ensure a humanitarian corridor between the controlled and non-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to provide the free movement of people and humanitarian goods.

The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organisations.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

 

The independent international civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017. It includes more than 20 organisations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Russia and France. Within CivilM+, they contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas: informing the governments and the public of their countries about the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, implementing projects in the fields of peacekeeping, transitional justice, dialogue and human rights.

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CivilMPlus platform statement on the need to avoid the escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and to provide reliable support to Ukraine https://civilmplus.org/en/statement/civilmplus-platform-statement-on-the-need-to-avoid-the-escalation-of-the-conflict-in-eastern-ukraine-and-to-provide-reliable-support-to-ukraine/ Fri, 11 Feb 2022 08:43:42 +0000 https://civilmplus.org/?post_type=statement&p=8264 The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus, whose mission is...

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The international independent civil society platform CivilMPlus, whose mission is to work together to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, believes diplomacy and negotiation is the only possible path during the current conflict escalation in eastern Europe. Saving people’s lives, guaranteeing safety and peace should be an absolute priority for all sides.  

Potential escalation and continuation of the armed conflict that has been going on for the last 8 years would lead to victims and destruction that could be and must be avoided. The conflict is contrary to the interests of the societies of both the countries involved and of the rest of Europe.

Amid the continuing escalation of the situation by the Russian leadership and the increasing military presence of Russian troops near Ukraine’s borders, we urge the leadership of the Russian Federation:

  • To immediately withdraw its troops to their permanent locations, reduce the level of tension on the Ukrainian border, pursue negotiations and a diplomatic solution to the situation, and respect international law.
  • To urgently resume work in the Trilateral Contact Group to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and cooperate constructively in the negotiation process on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, renouncing the language of ultimatums and clearly aiming to accelerate the return of territories temporarily not controlled by the Ukrainian Government in Donetsk and Luhansk regions to the control of the Ukrainian authorities.
  • To stop attempts to sever the temporarily uncontrolled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts’ ties with the rest of Ukraine and to cease their purposeful integration into the political, economic and military systems of the Russian Federation. In particular, to stop the issuance of Russian passports, the participation of companies from the temporarily uncontrolled territories in tenders for Russian state services with the status of internal participants, the enrolment  of residents of these territories in military service in the Russian army, the granting of Russian social welfare payments, and the admission of residents of the region to the ‘United Russia’ party.

Platform members call on the Russian leadership and Russian-controlled forces in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to:

  • Unblock the operation of entry and exit checkpoints on the demarcation line.
  • Release illegally detained persons.
  • Ensure free access for representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to all facilities in non-government controlled territory.
  • To provide representatives of human rights organisations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, with free access to places of detention in the NGCAs.
  • Implement other commitments undertaken within the framework of the Minsk agreements and the TCG.

We support the efforts made by the German and French governments to resume talks in the Normandy format with the leadership of Ukraine and Russia.

CivilMPlus calls on all sides of the Normandy talks to demonstrate maximum commitment to accelerate peace and find ways to stop the ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine as soon as possible. We also call on political leaders involved in restoring peace to engage in ongoing consultations with international civil society, which has the most up-to-date information on security, humanitarian and other relevant issues in a region that suffers daily from conflict.

Platform members commend the active position of many European Union countries in supporting Ukraine. The war that is already taking place in Ukraine has a direct impact on the whole of Europe, and an exacerbation of the conflict will have even more negative consequences. This includes countries that are not directly involved in the conflict, but which would suffer from security risks and financial losses.

In order to avoid a new armed conflict, it is important for all democratic countries to speak jointly with one voice about the costs for Russia in case of a new breach of international norms. Economic sanctions can raise that price considerably. Economic cooperation presupposes trust on all sides, and a partner that foments war cannot have it. We believe that no preferences or any exemptions from the generally accepted certification procedure as required by the EU Third Energy Package and German law should be granted to the operator of Nord Stream 2. In case the situation escalates further and Russia foments war, the project should be abandoned altogether.

CivilMPlus believes that EU member states, the US, the UK, Canada and others need to continue to support Ukraine systematically in promoting internal stability and democratic reforms and developing its economy and trade relations, both in the current situation of an external threat and in the long term.

We urge the leadership of Ukraine to send a clear message to residents of the NGCAs that they remain citizens of Ukraine and part of a unified Ukrainian society. Ensuring that residents of the NGCAs have access to government services remotely, as well as the implementation of dialogue projects with their participation, can be such a signal. An important element of Ukraine’s policy on the conflict must remain the detailed design and implementation of a transitional justice concept that will contribute to a stable peace in the east of the country.

The text of the statement does not necessarily reflect the position of all CivilMPlus member organisations.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Artem Danylchenko, Communications Coordinator – [email protected]

The independent international civil society platform CivilMPlus was established in 2017. It includes more than 20 organisations and experts from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Russia and France. Within CivilM+, they contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas: informing the governments and the public of their countries about the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, implementing projects in the fields of peacekeeping, transitional justice, dialogue and human rights.

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