It’s now been two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and 10 years since its illegal occupation of Crimea. While public attention has dwindled and the focus of the international community has slowly shifted to more recent developments, the battle rages on. With a front line that stretches for almost 1,500 kilometers, there has been little movement on either side. Instead of regaining territory, Ukrainian troops are forced into a long, high-intensity trench war reminiscent of World War I. History has clearly shown the devastating psychological effects of this form of warfare, which go far beyond waning enthusiasm and morale, and leave many survivors battling with their own mind as they attempt to rebuild their lives while suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The reality faced by soldiers in the trenches, drained from years of fighting, as well as the millions of families displaced and torn apart by the conflict only further showcase the pressing need to ensure that the hostilities do not continue for a third year. The ultimate path to peace in Ukraine lies in upholding international law, and CEHRI stresses the need to honor the provisions therein and use all available tools to bring an end to the violence.
Recalling the unprecedented speed with which national, regional, and international courts mobilized in response to the invasion on 24 February 2022, CEHRI warns against losing this momentum and urges the advancement of criminal proceedings. This includes reaching an agreement on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the punishment of the crime of aggression against Ukraine to fill the accountability gap currently present in the ICC’s exercise of jurisdiction over this crime. CEHRI also stands in support of Prosecutor Khan’s ongoing investigation of the situation of Ukraine, opened in March 2022, and is willing to assist the proceedings through sharing evidence and information. To complement these mechanisms, CEHRI continues to advocate for domestic criminal proceedings on the basis of extraterritorial jurisdiction principles, such as passive nationality jurisdiction or universal jurisdiction. CEHRI remains ready to pursue justice for serious human rights violations through its comprehensive approach to accountability which offers victims an autonomous, meaningful role in the proceedings.