The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has adopted a declaration entitled Ukraine: towards a just peace. It was presented by Martine Dieschburg-Nickels (Luxembourg, L, ILDG) and Gunn-Marit Helgesen (Norway, R, EPP/CCE) in Strasbourg as part of Congress's 49th session.
The Congress reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and condemned once again the fact that the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine continued to cause the mass loss of innocent lives and human suffering, as well as the targeted destruction of cultural heritage and of vital infrastructure, which represented human-rights violations unprecedented in recent European history.
The declaration commended the work of Ukraine's local and regional authorities to ensure the provision of emergency support and the functioning of public services in the most difficult of circumstances, as well as the support provided by subnational authorities from other member states. Recognising that accountability will be required for a just peace, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local and regional authorities in Ukraine to contribute to the work of the Register of Damage. The Congress also emphasised that a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be an important element of justice.
The Congress expressed its strong support for the efforts to bring an end to Russia's war of aggression, in the understanding that only a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, can be a sustainable peace - one in which Ukraine's territory and communities can prosper in safety and security.
The Congress underlined that work on the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine must not wait for the agreement of a just peace. Indeed, it is already underway now and should continue to be carried out at local and regional levels - including the work done to ensure the ongoing provision of vital public services such as housing, transport and the supply of water and energy. In this regard, the declaration reiterated that the further decentralisation of power in Ukraine will underpin more efficient recovery and reconstruction, welcoming the process on decentralisation reform currently underway with Congress support. The declaration also underlined the importance of "rebuilding better" by establishing long-term and predictable funding mechanisms to support local and regional authorities in Ukraine as they lead recovery and reconstruction efforts.
With the hope that a meaningful peace process to end Russia's war against Ukraine might be possible, Congress members reaffirmed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and authorities and their commitment to a common, democratic future based on respect for international law and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
