The Library Association of Latvia and all Latvian librarians express our strongest support to you in your work and to each of you personally. In such conditions of war, our profession imposes a double responsibility on us – because we live both in a time of direct war, and information warfare and manipulation of data and human minds. It is our duty as librarians not only to stand up for freedom of expression and free access to information and knowledge, but also to ensure that people have access to reliable and verified information. Our task is not only to verify the truthfulness of the news and information by ourselves, but also to teach it to our citizens so that they do not rely on misinformation and manipulation. Your soldiers – fathers, brothers, husbands and sons – are defending your country physically. Librarians are the ones who defend the country informationally – not allowing false news to prevail. Certainly, we do not live in the world where there is only one truth anymore, but who else, if not librarians with both information and knowledge, can help the people not to be confused in this ocean of true and false news? Active action by librarians to combat misinformation and educate the citizens is now more important than ever. In this matter you have to be on the forefront. If we – Latvian librarians – can help you in the fight against disinformation, contact us, we will give you advice or other support.
Libraries, as democratic places open to all, can be an important support not only informatively but also physically. The experience of many countries shows that libraries can also be a place for physical refuge. Open your doors to anyone who needs it, providing shelter and resort! Libraries can be places where help and support points for citizens and refugees can be located. Furthermore, you have all the resources to provide people with informational and professional support to overcome the crisis and decide next steps. Librarians are one of the central support persons for the population in peacetime. In times of war, your support takes double value and power. Provide support and assistance to anyone who needs it! And do not hesitate to ask others for help if you feel confused and scared. The whole world is now joining the hands of Ukraine. We are sure that colleagues from other countries will provide you with the support and assistance you need.
Dear Ukrainian citizens!
Be strong! No violence against the state and its people is justified. Russia’s physical invasion demonstrates their weakness and your strength. Everyone deserves to live in an independent and democratic country. Not only the present, but also the future is in your hands – what country do you prefer for your children and grandchildren to live in. Don’t give up! Do not allow provocations and manipulations! Maintain common sense and self-esteem! The citizens of Latvia are with you! Freedom for Ukraine!
#StandWithUkraine
Lithuanian and Estonian Librarians Associations and Lithuanian and Estonian librarians have also joined the Statement of the Library Association of Latvia.
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
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.
Assistiamo con sgomento e preoccupazione al precipitare degli eventi in Ucraina. Come bibliotecari osserviamo quanto sia ancora lontanissima la prospettiva di una pace perpetua tra i popoli che è alla base della Dichiarazione dei diritti umani del 1948.
Esprimiamo solidarietà alle popolazioni colpite dai bombardamenti e facciamo appello alle diplomazie europee affinché si adoperino in ogni modo per evitare il dilagare di un conflitto che lascerebbe in eredità solo devastazione e miseria.
