Peace for Europe

The political tension in Europe is growing from month to month. The conflicts on the borders between states in the eastern part of the continent are acquiring intensity. Lately, particular pressure is exerted on Ukraine, whose borders are in unceasing unrest starting from the time of Russia’s seizing control of Crimea and the eruption of fighting in Donbas. Large parts of Eastern Europe are witnessing numerous hybrid attacks. Disinformation, military maneuvers, economic pressure and the diplomatic offensive indicate, that the integrity of the Ukrainian state is in particular peril.

Aggressive policies conducted by the states associated in UBaR (Union of Belarus and Russia) are leading to the destabilization of peaceful coexistence of states in the region. Such conduct leads frequently to military invasions, which had already transpired in the east of Ukraine, but even earlier in Georgia. If the international community does not counteract now, other countries may become victims of Russian aggression soon.

Each state has a right to inviolability of its borders!

The Charter of the United Nations Organization clearly stated in 1945, that no one has the right to violate the territorial integrity and independence of any state.

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Art. 2 (4) UN Charter
“All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”

The goal of international law, and particularly the United Nations Charter, is the preservation of peaceful relations between the states.

In this time, particularly difficult for the European society, which desires peace and security, we need a common voice against the threat of war on our continent.
Wars do not usually break out from day to day – they are preceded by a chain of events, such as the Munich conference of 1938, when Germany agreed with the western powers on the partition of Czechoslovakia.
Let’s not permit history to repeat itself. Let’s express our support for the actions which aim at preserving peace in Europe.

Our civic protest and act of solidarity with Ukraine is becoming more important in view of the political elites showing disunity in opposing aggression. Let’s demonstrate our disagreement to dealings with aggressors intending to violate peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Declaration

As representatives of civic society of the European Union and the Intermarium region, representing non-governmental organizations shaping the culture of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental liberties and the rule of law,

Inspired by the cultural, religious and humanistic heritage of Europe, from which flow the universal values,

Wanting to deepen the solidarity between the nations of Europe and respect to their history, culture and tradition, in particular regarding national identity, inseparably connected with the fundamental political and constitutional structures,

Wanting to express respect for mandatory norms of the international law, which are the foundation for peaceful coexistence of states and nations, including the rule of non-interference, refraining from the use of threat and force in international relations,

Wanting to confirm the respect for the fundamental functions of the state, especially aiming at protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity, maintenance of public order and protection of national security,

We express our decisive support for the actions and initiatives aiming at assuring that the Ukrainian society and state have the conditions to realize the fundamental and natural functions of the state in peace required for the optimal development of societies, communities, families and individuals, free from pressure, threat of political intervention and danger of use of force.

At the same time we are calling on the states of the European Union and the Intermarium region, the international community, the organizations protecting freedom, democracy, respect for the human rights, fundamental liberties and the rule of law, to support the society and government of Ukraine, in reaction to the increasing threat to peace, which results from the violation of the Russian Federation erga omnes international obligations to refrain from intervention, threat and use of force in the area of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.