Justice for Mariupol: Mariupol Justice Initiative Presented at the Palace of Europe

During the 50th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, an important event was held to present the Mariupol Justice initiative, which aims to highlight the situation in Mariupol, a city that has suffered immensely due to war and occupation. According to a report by a correspondent from Ukrinform, this initiative marks a crucial step in the fight for justice for the residents of a city that was once vibrant and dynamic but has now become a symbol of destruction and suffering.

In her speech, Congress Vice President Cecilia Dalman Eek emphasized that Mariupol serves as a stark reminder of how quickly progress can be destroyed. She stated, 'Mariupol is now a harsh reminder of how swiftly progress can be obliterated. Once a rapidly developing city full of life, it is now devastated by occupation and war. However, through resilience and support, it can rise again with hope for a brighter future.'

Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Mykola Tochitsky, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of establishing justice for Mariupol, which is essential for its future. 'Justice is not only about the past but also about the future. Without an effective accountability system, without a viable comprehensive mechanism, and without restoring justice at the community level, neither the reconstruction of Ukraine nor sustainable peace in Europe will be possible,' Tochitsky emphasized.

He further noted that the Council of Europe should become a platform for promoting accountability, as it has initiated key international mechanisms such as the Registry of Damages for Ukraine and the upcoming comprehensive compensation mechanism. Additionally, a Special Tribunal for investigating the crime of aggression will soon be operational.

The elected mayor of Mariupol and head of the Mariupol City Military Administration, Vadym Boychenko, presented the latest data collected by the city council team to establish the exact number of casualties and damages. 'Currently, we have gathered information on over 12,500 deceased and missing residents, but this figure is not final. We are documenting the truth; we want the world to recognize the crimes committed by Russia today, and we strive to achieve justice and, accordingly, compensation in collaboration with our international partners. Behind us stand Bakhmut, Pokrovsk, Avdiivka, Nova Kakhovka, Kherson, and many cities still suffering from the consequences of the unprovoked armed aggression of the Russian Federation,' Boychenko stated.

At the event, 13-year-old Ilya Matviyenko, one of the first Ukrainian children taken by Russians from Mariupol, also spoke. His return home was made possible by his grandmother, who became his sole guardian after his mother was killed by Russian shelling. Ilya's story has become a symbol of the suffering endured by children in wartime conditions.

Markiyan Klyuchkovsky, Executive Director of the Registry of Damages, also reported on the latest data regarding claims submitted by Mariupol residents, emphasizing the importance of gathering information for further establishing justice. Simultaneously, an exhibition was opened at the Palace of Europe, showcasing a miniature replica of the city's Drama Theatre after it was destroyed by aerial bombs, which has become a symbol of the tragedy that befell the city.

As reported by Ukrinform, memorial events took place in 20 cities across Ukraine to commemorate the anniversary of the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theatre by the Russian army, further underscoring the importance of remembering the victims of war and the necessity of the fight for justice.

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