Ukraine Peace Talks: Amnesty International Warns Against Trading Justice for Ceasefire
November 25, 2024 – As reports surface regarding intense discussions surrounding a US-backed peace plan to end Russia‘s ongoing war in Ukraine, Amnesty International has issued a stark warning: any path to peace must prioritize human rights and accountability for the atrocities committed. The institution’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized the urgent need to center victims’ needs and international law in any potential agreement.
The daily reality in Ukraine remains one of profound tragedy and suffering. Yet, amidst relentless aggression, the Ukrainian peopel continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage and resilience. While a cessation of hostilities is undeniably desirable, Amnesty International cautions against a resolution achieved at the expense of justice and basic principles.
The Peril of Impunity
“A durable end to the fighting cannot come at any price,” Callamard stated. “the cost of silence cannot be amnesty and impunity for those responsible for aggression and other crimes under international law. Nor can it involve compromising the rules-based international order that is vital for global security.”
This concern stems from emerging details of the proposed peace plan, which reportedly includes pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia and possibly grant amnesty to all parties involved in the conflict. Amnesty International firmly believes that such concessions would set a perilous precedent, effectively rewarding aggression and undermining the pursuit of justice for countless victims.
Non-Negotiable Demands: Prioritizing Victims and Accountability
Amnesty International’s position is clear: any peace agreement must include concrete steps to address the widespread human rights violations documented since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. These demands are not merely aspirational; they are considered non-negotiable.
Specifically, the organization calls for:
* An Immediate End to Ongoing Violations: All ongoing human rights abuses within Ukraine must cease promptly. This includes indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances.
* Remedy for Victims: Victims of the conflict must receive thorough reparations and support to address the immense suffering they have endured. This includes access to justice, rehabilitation services, and adequate compensation.
* return of Forcibly Transferred Children: Russia must immediately return all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred from Ukraine, a practice Amnesty International has documented as a war crime and potential crime against humanity. (See Amnesty International’s report: ukraine: Russia’s unlawful transfer of civilians).
* Release of Unlawfully Held Captives: All ukrainian captives held by Russia must be released immediately, especially those who have been subjected to ill-treatment, torture, and enforced disappearance. (see Amnesty International’s report: Russia-Ukraine: Ill-treatment of Ukrainians in Russian captivity).
A History of Documented Atrocities
Amnesty International has been meticulously documenting war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine as the start of the conflict.This extensive research reveals a pattern of intentional targeting of civilians, destruction of essential infrastructure, and systematic abuses in Russian-occupied territories.
These violations include:
* Indiscriminate Bombing and Shelling: Russian forces have repeatedly attacked civilian areas with indiscriminate weapons, resulting in widespread death and destruction.
* Extrajudicial killings: Credible reports and evidence gathered by Amnesty International point to the summary execution of civilians by Russian soldiers in areas under their control.
* Torture and Ill-Treatment: Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians have been subjected to torture, inhumane treatment, and sexual violence while in Russian custody.
* Forcible Deportation: The forced transfer of Ukrainian civilians, including children, to Russia is a clear violation of international law.
* Enforced Disappearance: Numerous individuals have been forcibly disappeared by Russian forces and their fate remains unknown.
The Importance of Accountability
Amnesty International recognizes the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the
