Statement by H.E. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia during the Briefing on the Register of Damages for Ukraine: Path to Empowering Victims and Ensuring Accountability.
New York, 29 June
Excellencies, dear colleagues
Latvia is proud to be among the founding members of the Register of Damage and it’s also a priority of the Latvian presidency at the Council of Europe to implement the decisions made during the Summit in Reykjavik.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi who recently was appointed as the Executive Director of the Register of Damage. We believe that the Register of Damage will serve a symbol and an effective tool for implementing our unwavering commitment to accountability, justice and rule of law that will promote preservation of human dignity and we are pleased to see the progress made towards the Register of Damage since the 17th May 2023.
There is no doubt that Russia must bear full legal and financial and economic responsibility for its aggression and violations of international law. The Register of Damage is the first element of the international compensation mechanism that should ensure timely reparation for the victims of the Russian Federation’s internationally wrongful acts in and against Ukraine. Compensation is paramount both at individual and state level to ensure justice. There can be no long-lasting peace without justice.
Excellencies, dear colleagues
I have the honor to announce that on the 11th of September the informal conference of ministers of Justice will take place in Riga and it will serve as the inaugural platform for the Register's operations, and it presents an opportunity for the Executive Director to make his first public statement before the ministers, outlining the strategic orientations of the Register's work.
During the Riga Conference, discussions will revolve around the forthcoming steps required for ensuring comprehensive accountability for the crime of aggression and the effective functioning of the Register, as the first element of the international compensation mechanism.
The primary focus of the Conference will be to discuss the implementation of the decisions taken during the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 17 May 2023. The aim is to explore how the Council of Europe can enhance its contribution in supporting Ukraine and re-establishing the international legal order by ensuring comprehensive accountability amidst the backdrop of the Russian Federation's aggression.
At the end of the Riga Conference, a political declaration will be adopted. It will include a set of fundamental principles that will guide the work of the Register of Damage.
I would like to encourage those countries who have not yet joined the Register of Damage to join by the 11th of September according to the agreed procedure. During the conference countries will be able to sign the political declaration and participate in the second meeting of States Parties of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine that will take place on 12 September in Riga.
Latvia reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine as they strive for a future marked by justice, accountability and sustainable peace.
I thank you!