Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk Calls for Special Tribunal at the World Forum

In a powerful inaugural speech at the World Forum, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk addressed the dire consequences of the conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine in February 2014. Matviichuk, who has been documenting the atrocities of the war, highlighted the immense suffering of the victims, emphasising their need to restore not just their lives and families, but also their faith in justice.

She underscored the historical precedent of the Nuremberg trials as a pivotal moment for establishing law and justice, where Nazi war criminals were judged post the collapse of the Nazi regime. However, Matviichuk stressed the urgency of the current situation, stating, "We live in a new century. We cannot wait."

Calling for immediate action, she advocated for the establishment of a special tribunal to hold Russian leaders, including Putin and Lukashenko, accountable for their actions. "We must establish a special tribunal on aggression and hold Putin, Lukaschenka, and the top political leadership and high military command of the Russian state accountable," she asserted. This, she argued, is essential to prevent further murders, tortures, and human suffering.