On 30 June, the European Parliament hosted the international event “Standing Up for International Law and Human Rights”, dedicated to supporting Ukraine, defending international law, and advancing the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.
The discussion brought together European leaders, human rights defenders, and international experts, who emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only an attack on a sovereign nation but also a challenge to democracy, international law, and the security of Europe as a whole.
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, stressed that today Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for the freedom of Europe.
She outlined three key priorities for the international community:
- Increase pressure on Russia and strengthen support for Ukraine by amplifying Ukraine’s voice and advancing its path toward European Union membership.
- Mobilise public support by countering propaganda and responding with truth.
- Strengthen global cooperation to achieve a just and lasting peace through democratic principles, guided by the principle: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk highlighted that the greatest challenge of the 21st century is whether the world can continue to rely on international law and the existing international order.
According to her, Europe remains safe only because Ukrainians continue to resist Russian aggression. She also noted that since the peace negotiations initiated by Donald Trump began, the level of death and destruction has increased. She warned that the international community has lost sight of the human dimension of the war, even though no sustainable and just peace can exist without it.
Oleksandra Matviichuk called on the international community to:
- Confiscate Russian state assets;
- Establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression;
- Ensure that the cost of war is higher than the cost of peace.
International law expert Claudio Grossman emphasized that the war against Ukraine is a war against democracy, human rights, international law, and all of us. He called for unity, solidarity, and decisive action.
Speaker J. Lopez recalled the two fundamental principles established after World War II:
- Borders must never be changed by force;
- International disputes must be resolved through negotiation.
He stressed that Europe’s greatest responsibility today is to remain consistent in its support for Ukraine and in defending the rules-based international order. How we uphold these principles today will shape the future security of Europe and the world. The price of war must always be higher than any potential benefit for the aggressor.
A special part of the event was dedicated to the presentation of the Latin America Voices for Ukraine initiative. Participants watched a short video featuring renowned artists, writers, and public figures from Latin America expressing their solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
The event once again demonstrated that supporting Ukraine is not only a matter of European security but also of defending the fundamental principles of international law, democracy, and human rights. The unity of the democratic world and its consistency in protecting these values will determine the future of Europe and the international order.
Authors: Lana Pelykh and Liudmyla Hrytsaienko
Photo: Liudmyla Hrytsaienko