Frankfurt am Main, May 2nd, 2023: The Lithuanian envoy, Vaidotas Karvelis, called for an international special court for Ukraine during the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) annual meeting.

The envoy of the Lithuanian embassy in Berlin explained in his speech at the IGFM conference:

“We firmly believe that an International Special Court must be established to complement the role of the International Criminal Court in condemning the war against Ukraine. Those responsible for the war crimes in Ukraine must be held accountable. The international response to this war will be crucial to prevent future violations of the UN Charter.”

Karvelis added:

“The war of aggression waged by Russia and its accomplice Belarus is not just about Ukraine’s security. Putin has launched an attack on the international order, trying to replace it with military power. Ukraine must win this war to protect the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

On behalf of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomat thanked the International Society for Human Rights “for their continuous work to promote tolerance, peace and respect for human rights and for the provision of humanitarian aid in the Baltic States.” The country showed solidarity in our fight for independence. Today ISHR stands by the Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.”

Vaidotas Karvelis also criticized Belarus:

“In our immediate neighbourhood in Belarus alone, there are around 1,500 political prisoners and over 30 journalists behind bars. Our capital, Vilnius, has become an independent media centre for journalists fleeing Lukashenko and Putin’s suppression of media freedom.”