Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk speaks to CNA on Russia-Ukraine war

Key Concepts

• Human Toll of War: The devastating impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the everyday lives of Ukrainian citizens.
• Accountability Gap: The absence of an international legal mechanism to prosecute leaders for the crime of aggression.
• Crime of Aggression: The unlawful use of force by a state against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of another state.
• Special Tribunal on Aggression: A proposed international court specifically designed to address the crime of aggression.
• Neutrality in Conflict: The ethical and practical implications of a neutral stance in the face of international law violations and human suffering.
• Hope as Meaningful Effort: Redefining hope not as a guarantee of positive outcomes, but as the profound significance of human efforts in the face of adversity.

The Human Cost of the Russia-Ukraine War and the Call for Accountability

Alexander Matvichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights lawyer, recently shared insights with CNN correspondent Sakess Soya Sombat in Bangkok regarding the profound human impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Matvichuk emphasized that nearly four years since the invasion, there has been a lack of significant progress on both the front lines and diplomatic fronts.

Shattered Everyday Life in Ukraine

Matvichuk described the devastating reality for Ukrainian citizens, stating that the large-scale war has "ruined everything which we call normal life." This includes the loss of simple freedoms such as going to work, meeting friends in cafes, hugging loved ones, and having family dinners. Life during the war is characterized by "total uncertainty," where individuals cannot plan beyond their immediate hours, lacking any idea of what the future holds.

The Accountability Gap and the Need for a Special Tribunal

A significant point of discussion was the "accountability gap" in international law concerning the crime of aggression. While the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for President Putin in 2023 for alleged war crimes like the illegal trafficking of Ukrainian children and potential crimes against humanity or genocide, it lacks jurisdiction to prosecute him for the crime of aggression itself. Matvichuk argued that all documented atrocities stem from the leadership's decision to initiate the war.

To address this, Matvichuk advocates for the creation of a "special tribunal on aggression." He believes this is crucial not only for Ukraine but also for preventing future wars. His argument is that if leaders who start aggressive wars are not punished, it will embolden other authoritarian leaders globally to engage in similar actions, leading to invasions, killings, erosion of identity, and the forceful alteration of internationally recognized borders.

The Limits of Neutrality

Matvichuk also addressed the stance of governments in the region that have adopted a neutral position regarding Russia's invasion. He argued that true neutrality is impossible when faced with human suffering and violations of international law. He highlighted Russia's significant power, including its economic resources (oil and gas), its veto power in the UN Security Council, and its large population, which makes it a formidable force compared to Ukraine.

From Matvichuk's perspective, a neutral stance in this context, by not aiding Ukraine's resistance, effectively aids Russia's occupation. He stressed that the focus should be on the "human cost of this war" and that one "can't be neutral to human suffering."

Finding Hope Amidst Adversity

Despite the immense suffering and the perceived failures of international systems like the UN to halt atrocities, Matvichuk finds hope in the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He stated that "millions of people in Ukraine said we will resist. We will fight for the slightest chance for our children to live without fear of violence and to have a long-term perspective."

He redefined hope, not as a "confidence that everything will be fine," but as "a deep understanding that all our efforts have a huge meaning." This hope is embodied by "ordinary people doing extraordinary things" in their fight for freedom and human dignity, proving to be stronger than even the "second army in the world."

Conclusion

Alexander Matvichuk's insights underscore the critical need to acknowledge and address the profound human suffering caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. His call for a special tribunal on aggression highlights a significant gap in international law, and his critique of neutrality emphasizes the moral imperative to stand against violations of international law and human rights. Ultimately, his message offers a powerful perspective on hope, rooted in the extraordinary resilience and meaningful efforts of ordinary individuals fighting for a better future.