We are voicing our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who have, in the context of building tensions over recent years, are facing further war and destruction. The invasion of Russia and the scale of violence that has led to mass destruction can never be justified. Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine is against international law, norms and poses a danger to the World. The international community and Turkey must act now to provide the mechanisms for a peaceful resolution.
Protests around the world in support of the Ukrainian people, including in Russia, with broad participation from women, are defying the militarist and masculine reality that surrounds this aggression. This war demonstrates how the consequences of unrestrained authoritarianism can be disastrous.
As an association working on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, we know that women experience the burden of the gendered consequences of war. The conflict and its legacies will increase existing threats to the safety of the women, girls and the LGBTI+ community.
Therefore, we support the calls for peace and ask for immediate termination of violence and the initiation of a dialogue process to facilitate the withdrawal of Russian forces and the creation of a peaceful regional order. We condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing war crimes and devastation occurring in Ukraine. We call on actors in the international community to encourage Russia to end its invasion and to take necessary steps to ensure a subsequent ceasefire and stable peace.
Finally, we also call on neighbouring countries in the immediate vicinity and international aid organisations to support those refugees fleeing from the conflict and to keep channels of humanitarian assistance open.