EU Justice and Peace Commissions appeal for diplomacy to end Ukraine war

By Francesca Merlo

The Secretaries General of the European Justice and Peace Commissions have raised an appeal for multilateral diplomatic efforts to increase pressure on the Russian Federation to end the bloodshed in Ukraine.

They also expressed solidarity and closeness to Ukrainians suffering from the war that is nearing its second anniversary and offered prayers for peace.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of a meeting in Berlin from 9 to 11 February, they said the event aimed to demonstrate support for the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. The meeting was initially due to take place in Lviv, Ukraine, but was relocated due to safety concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict that was ignited by a Russian invasion of the country on 24 February 2022.

European network

The Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions is made up of a network of 32 national Justice and Peace Commissions mandated by their Bishops' Conferences to speak out on the fight against Poverty and for Human Rights, Peace, Reconciliation, Development and the Care of Creation.

Plight of refugees and prayers for peace

The Secretaries General revealed that during the meeting they discussed the plight of Ukrainian refugees and the organisations dedicated to aiding them. They offered prayers for peace outside the Russian embassy and joined in celebrating the Holy Eucharist with the local Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish.

In their statement, they highlighted the profound impact of the conflict, stating, "The unprovoked Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including bombing terror against the civilian population, war crimes and brutal occupation, has forced over 6 million people to leave their homeland and seek refuge abroad. Moreover, 3.6 million people have been displaced internally."

Then, expressing gratitude for the European Council's decision to initiate negotiations for EU membership with Ukraine, the Secretaries General emphasised the importance of fostering cultural, economic, and personal ties. 

Appeal for multilateral diplomacy

Finally, they stressed the imperative of leveraging diplomatic channels to pressure the Russian Federation to halt its aggression and uphold international law and human rights, concluding with an appeal asking that "All available diplomatic means at the level of multilateral cooperation must be used to increase the pressure on the Russian Federation to end the bloodshed and suffering and to put an immediate end to its attacks on the foundations of international law, human rights and the international peace order."