We, the Romanian Library Association, stand with you in this troubling conflict you are facing, stating that we do not encourage this kind of aggression for resolving any kind of problem that can be solved in a peaceful way.
The library is a space of communication, tolerance, acceptance, values that we promote and cherish as librarians. At the same time, it is an institution that keeps the national identity spirit alive, embraces cultural diversity, and, when needed, can become a space for cultural resistance.
We send all our love and support to you and your families, you can contact us if we can help you in any way because we have affiliated members all over Romania
The Bar of Ireland plays an active role in a range of networks; providing a valuable perspective and contribution on key issues that impact on the role of lawyers, the rule of law and the independence of the profession.
The CCBE calls on the International Criminal Court Prosecutor to commence an immediate investigation with a view to the trial of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin and his accomplices.
The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) represents the bars and law societies of 45 countries, and through them more than 1 million European lawyers. Since its creation, the CCBE has been at the forefront of advancing and defending the legal principles upon which democracy and the rule of law are based.
The CCBE joins EU institutions and the international community in their demand that Russia immediately ceases its illegal invasion of Ukraine. All States must respect the fundamental obligations, values, principles and freedoms set out in the Charter of the United Nations, the Statute of the Council of Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights, Budapest Memoranda on Security Assurances, and other general principles of public international law, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The CCBE strongly condemns the actions which breach these fundamental and generally accepted principles of international law. Respect for international laws and treaties must be maintained and upheld. In the current tragic context in which the Ukrainian people find themselves, the need to uphold the rule of law is of paramount importance.
The CCBE unequivocally condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The unwarranted invasion of a sovereign state represents an egregious attack on the rule of law. We welcome the statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
“I remind all sides conducting hostilities on the territory of Ukraine that pursuant to the declaration lodged on 8 September 2015, accepting jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), my Office may exercise its jurisdiction over and investigate any act of genocide, crime against humanity or war crime committed within the territory of Ukraine since 20 February 2014 onwards.
Any person who commits such crimes, including by ordering, inciting, or contributing in another manner to the commission of these crimes, may be liable to prosecution before the Court, with full respect for the principle of complementarity. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
We call on the Prosecutor to commence an immediate investigation in this respect with a view to the trial of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and his accomplices. The Ukrainian people deserve the protection of the international legal order.
The CCBE attaches particular importance to the respect of the universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity and, therefore, insists that Europe must remain an area of peace, freedom, security and justice. In particular, we express solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues under attack. We are mindful also of the position of those Russian colleagues who do not feel able to speak out against this illegal war for fear of their lives
The CCBE additionally stresses that the right to asylum should be respected and assured in this context and humanitarian assistance provided to those in need. EU Member States and other European States are, therefore, encouraged to take the necessary measures in the field of border management and asylum to help people fleeing conflict and violence. Finally, the CCBE encourages lawyers to provide legal assistance to people seeking international protection and welcomes the fact that many legal professionals are already engaged in such actions.
Joint press release from the Bar of Ireland, Bar Council of England and Wales, the Faculty of Advocates, and the Bar Council of Northern Ireland
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a joint statement has been issued by Bar leaders in Ireland and across the UK.
The statement reads:
“The Bar Council of England and Wales, the Bar of Northern Ireland, the Faculty of Advocates and the Bar of Ireland unequivocally condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Ukraine is a sovereign state entitled to self-determination. International law requires the Russian Federation to respect Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. This act of war is a gross violation of international law as set out in the UN Charter.”
Maura McNally SC – Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland
Mark Fenhalls QC – Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales
Bernard Brady QC – Chair of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland
Roddy Dunlop QC – Dean of the Faculty of Advocates
The Blue Shield stands ready to assist anyone involved in the conflict to protect cultural property in Ukraine and to work towards an immediate end to the conflict.
Peter Stone President, The Blue Shield 25 February 2022
The barbaric attack of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is against the basic principles of a sustainable, democratic and equitable society.
In response to the appeal launched by the Ukrainian Library Association, EBLIDA, NAPLE and Public Libraries 2030 urge libraries all over Europe to mobilise in favour of accurate information to be spread on the conflict as a means to support democracy and freedom of expression. Libraries are also urged to support any Ukrainian refugees, in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations (for instance, Sanctuary cities, Sant’Egidio community, etc.). We should be ready to find practical solutions and be prepared to provide Ukrainians with assistance and services as needed.
Ends
Notes to editor:
EBLIDA is the community and networking hub for all library, information and documentation associations and institutions in Europe striving towards a sustainable, democratic and equitable society.
NAPLE is an international non-governmental association pursuing the interests of the national library authorities in Europe. Its main aim is to promote principles and strategies for public library policies.
PL2030 is a Brussels-based organisation working for over seven years to build connections between innovative library practice and build recognition of the contribution of the library sector in EU institutions.
For more information:
EBLIDA: Giuseppe Vitiello, Director of EBLIDA: G.Vitiello@eblida.org
NAPLE: Stuart Hamilton, President of the board of NAPLE: shamilton@lgma.ie
PL2030: Ilona Kish, Director of Public Libraries 2030: ilona@pl2030.eu
ICOMOS deplores the lives already lost and threatened by the deterioration of the situation in the Ukrainian territory. ICOMOS also fears that serious threats weigh on Ukraine’s heritage.
