Statement by terre des hommes Germany on the Russian attack on Ukraine
Osnabrück, February 24, 2022 – We appeal to the international community to dedicate all its efforts to a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict and to align its actions with the fundamental goals of the United Nations: to maintain world peace and to use peaceful means to resolve international disputes. The Russian narrative of Ukraine's alleged belonging to a Greater Russian Empire can never justify an attack on a neighboring state. No state has the right to unilaterally occupy the territory of another state. The current Russian attacks on Ukraine constitute a violation of international law and must be stopped immediately! The interests of the Ukrainian people must be taken into account in all negotiations.
As in all wars, violent conflicts will primarily affect the civilian population. Children and young people are always particularly vulnerable, experiencing bombings, destruction, suffering, and death, and are often severely traumatized. Places such as schools and other facilities where minors are present must be spared from any fighting. Furthermore, tens of thousands of children and young people have already been affected by military conflict in the Donbas for years. Solutions are needed to ensure that they can grow up in peace and without constant fear of armed conflict.
EU member states must prepare for the swift and unbureaucratic reception of refugees from Ukraine and create accommodation facilities that guarantee their rights and dignity. Ukraine's neighboring countries must not be left to cope alone. We are exploring whether and to what extent it is possible to receive and care for refugees through project partners in the region.
“As an international children’s aid organization, we are stunned by the open war against Ukraine that broke out last night,” explains Beat Wehrle, spokesperson for the board of terre des hommes . “We are facing global crises such as the consequences of climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and the fight against the growing gap between rich and poor. We will only be able to overcome these challenges as a global community that acts together and overcomes narrow-minded racism, ethnic resentment, and nationalist power fantasies.”