Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed delegates at a conference on justice and compensation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need to tackle impunity for war crimes to ensure common security. The conference, which included officials from numerous countries, focused on bringing justice to victims of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials for alleged war crimes, with Ukraine prosecuting over 100 individuals for such crimes. A register for damages caused by the invasion was opened, allowing people to submit claims for compensation.
The conference discussed the establishment of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which will not pay out claims but is a step towards an international compensation mechanism. The register initially focuses on residential property damage, with hundreds of thousands of possible claims expected. It aims to expand to include claims related to the destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot emphasized the need to support Ukraine and its justice system in the face of the devastating toll of Russian attacks, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
The Hague, as an international city of peace and justice, plays a central role in efforts to end impunity for crimes in Ukraine. It is home to institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The Dutch government has also offered to host a special tribunal on the crime of aggression, as the ICC does not have jurisdiction to prosecute this crime in the Ukraine conflict. The Hague’s efforts in promoting accountability and seeking justice for war crimes in Ukraine were emphasized during the conference.
President Zelenskyy called for a restoration of peace and for those who undermine peace to be held accountable in The Hague. Ukraine’s prosecutor general reported on the identification and prosecution of hundreds of war crimes suspects in relation to the conflict with Russia. The conference also discussed the need to address damages and losses caused by the invasion, underscoring the importance of establishing a comprehensive compensation mechanism for victims. The Hague-based Register of Damage is a critical initiative in this regard, facilitating the submission of claims for compensation and paving the way for further avenues of redress for affected individuals.
The conference highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to address impunity for war crimes committed in Ukraine and to ensure justice for victims of the conflict. By focusing on accountability and compensation, the international community aims to support Ukraine in its pursuit of justice and to deter future acts of aggression and terror. The establishment of mechanisms such as the Register of Damage is a crucial step in the process of seeking redress for the victims of the ongoing conflict, and the Hague remains a key player in promoting justice and accountability in the region. The commitment of various countries to support Ukraine in its quest for justice and security was evident throughout the discussions at the conference.
