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SPEAK UP FOR UKRAINE
AFTER TWO YEARS OF RUSSIA’S FULL-SCALE INVASION, APART FROM INCREASING
MILITARY SUPPORT, WHAT MORE IS BEING DONE TO PROTECT UKRAINIANS?
This week, the world marked two terrible years of suffering since Russia
began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Two years of intense and barbaric
attacks on civilians and two years of brutal violations against them. Two
years of Ukrainians living with the constant threat that, at any moment,
they could lose their homes, schools, hospitals, and their lives.
While the impact of the invasion has sent shockwaves through Europe and
beyond, it is important to remember that Ukraine became a warzone in 2014
when Russia seized Crimea and invaded the Donbas region, leading to a
prolonged military aggression in the occupied parts of Donbas ever since.
There is little doubt that insufficient sanction on the Russian leader and
his ambition emboldened him further.
Fast forward to today, and the Kremlin has intensified its assault on
Ukraine, launching heavy missile attacks targeting Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and
other major urban areas in recent weeks. This escalation has led to a
significant increase in civilian casualties. According to the UN, [3]
around 40 per cent of the country’s current population requires some form
of humanitarian assistance. The strikes in Lviv in mid-February heavily
damaged key energy facilities. Ukrainian officials believe Russian forces
are attempting to replicate previous winter attacks, which wrought havoc on
Ukraine's power sector, resulting in prolonged blackouts for millions.
Yet in the face of criminal barbarism by Russia, and despite the ongoing
horrors, the people of Ukraine have shown inspiring resilience and
strength. They have come together to support their communities [4], educate
their children [5], and make sure their stories are heard. We recognise and
appreciate the deep commitment and hard work of humanitarian and rights
groups and activists offering ongoing support [6] where they can, knowing
how vital that support is at this time.
AND WE RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE THE COURAGE OF THE JOURNALISTS working
tirelessly, and so often at great personal risk, to report on the ground
and bring vital information to people who need it most. While their work is
painstaking and risky, it shines a light on personal stories the world
might not otherwise know. The work they do to combat Russia’s propaganda
is more vital than ever and a reminder of the indispensable role the
profession plays in times of war.
As international efforts continue to support Ukraine, we will continue our
UNWAVERING SUPPORT for the people in Ukraine. We add our voice to calls for
an impartial and thorough investigation into war crimes and other acts of
violence against civilians. We call on Russia to release Ukrainian
civilians in captivity, and ensure respect for the rights of prisoners of
war (POWs) under the Geneva Convention are upheld. That includes access to
medical assistance for POWs and civilians held by Russian forces.
Ukraine is set to lead a new resolution on disinformation during conflict
at the next session of the UN Human Rights Council, which begins in Geneva
on 26 February. As part of our UN advocacy work, ARTICLE 19 will highlight
situations where information threats take the shape of propaganda for war
and illegal hate speech that constitutes incitement to violence,
discrimination or hostility.
We will also lead more in-depth discussions about the role social media
companies play in protecting freedom of expression and free flow of
information. Equally, we will highlight their responsibilities to address
the spread of violent messages, including through greater transparency,
accountability, and user empowerment, and through implementing a free
speech-rooted approach in their content moderation and curation policies
and processes.
With the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and
with Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts, and Working Groups – known
as UN Special Procedures [7] – we have an opportunity to push for change.
These specialists use their knowledge about and experiences of countries
and specific themes as powerful tools to pressure governments, policy
makers, and businesses and groups with influence – often in response to
and in dialogue with civil society and human rights advocates.
Get involved. Spread the word and urge your governments to speak up for
Ukraine [8] at the UN.
SPEAK UP FOR UKRAINE
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