Joint civil society declaration signed by over 70 NGOs in Moldova

Civil society in the Republic of Moldova is calling for a just peace for Ukraine, so that life and dignity are protected and those who have committed war crimes are brought to justice. The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) has launched a Declaration in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, which so far has been signed by 77 non-governmental organizations from the Republic of Moldova (Chișinău, Bălți, Comrat, Cahul, Tiraspol).

Four years after the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova reaffirm their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and make a firm appeal for a just and lasting peace.


“The war must be stopped, but peace cannot be built by ignoring the fundamental rules of international law,” the Joint Declaration reads.




 


Iulian Groza, IPRE Director: “We are here to send a clear message of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, a message that clearly says that this war must be stopped, but peace cannot be built at any price and in disregard of international rules, this is very important. This war flagrantly violates the international order, international rules, and the solidarity of small states. We know very well that in the face of aggression, what matters is unity and solidarity within our societies, first and foremost. And support for Ukraine, for the Ukrainian people who today are fighting for their freedom, but also for the security of the whole of Europe. This war is devastating, it targets people, tens of thousands of people, thousands of children killed, maimed, wounded. Schools, kindergartens, and energy infrastructure are military targets.”








The Declaration contains several key messages: a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, based on international law, not on force.


“Real security guarantees are needed for Ukraine, but also for the whole of Europe. It is very important that those who have committed atrocities and launched this illegal war be held accountable before the international community for war crimes. In the end, it is very important to support and reaffirm the values that keep us united for peace in Europe: democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human life,” Groza added.


For the Ukrainian community in the Republic of Moldova, this war is a source of pain, says Dmitrii Lecarțev, President of the National Congress of Ukrainians of the Republic of Moldova. Lecarțev expressed gratitude to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for the generosity and warmth with which they received Ukrainian refugees.



 


Dmitrii Lecarțev: “For the Ukrainian community in the Republic of Moldova, this war is not a statistic, it is the pain of our families, of our young people, of those who have lived with fear and pain for four years. That is why we say clearly: Ukraine and Ukrainians demand justice. Peace cannot be built on force or on occupation. An unjust peace today will produce a new conflict. I want to thank, on behalf of Ukrainians, the people of the Republic of Moldova. You opened your doors, your homes, and your hearts; your solidarity with refugees from Ukraine has demonstrated a dignity that will not be forgotten. Today we are sending a clear message: for a just peace, for the protection of people, for respect for international law. Ukraine stands firm, Moldova remains in solidarity, peace must be just. Glory to Ukraine!”


The Association of Young Diplomats of Moldova, a signatory of the Declaration, has called on young people in the Republic of Moldova not to give in to propaganda and not to forget the lesson of courage and dignity shown by the Ukrainian people.



 


Nichita Popenco, representative of the Association of Young Diplomats of Moldova: “We join this joint declaration. This decision is for us a promise to our generation and to our children in the future. A declaration in which we state clearly that we will never accept that brute force replace international law. We will not accept that borders be changed by tanks and missiles. We will not accept that the sovereignty and dignity of a people be negotiated without the participation of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian state. Indifference or compromise in the face of aggression will not bring security; they will only bring the next victim. That is why we, the young people of the Republic of Moldova, say loud and clear: our solidarity is not an act of charity, it is a matter of shared survival.”


The joint civil society declaration in support of Ukraine is unprecedented, says Daniel Vodă, IPRE associate expert and co-author of the document. The expert stressed that the Republic of Moldova remains affected by this war at its border.



 


Daniel Vodă, IPRE associate expert: “As a co-author of this declaration, I want to emphasize that it is unprecedented. More than 77 civil society organizations from across the Republic of Moldova, four years after this brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, are conveying the same message in a single voice: we call for a just peace for Ukraine. This appeal is not dedicated only to our society. It is also addressed to EU partners, who play an essential role, and to our friends in Ukraine, who experience the suffering of this brutal invasion every day. Still, the Republic of Moldova remains affected by this war at its border. We continue to be a target of aggression from the Russian Federation at multiple levels. For example, sponsored disinformation campaigns, or the frequent use of the Orthodox Church subordinated to the Russian Patriarchate, and the artificial division promoted in this context. Despite these attacks, the people of the Republic of Moldova have remained anchored in the values of democracy and the rule of law, but most importantly – in humanity, the humanity of standing by their neighbor who is being attacked by the Russian Federation.”


Daniel Vodă sent a message of appreciation to every civil society organization that, at this stage, has joined and signed this declaration.

THE JOINT DECLARATION of civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova “For a just and lasting peace, with the protection of people, international law and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people”, published on the IPRE website, is open for signing until February 28.

Subsequently, the declaration will be sent to the intended recipients so that the views and perspectives of these organizations are heard, assured Daniel Vodă.

 



Today marks four years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, four years of fierce struggle by the Ukrainian people for freedom. The effects of the war are being felt worldwide, with a major impact on the states in the region, as all eyes are turned to peace talks, the results of which are still awaited.