“We want alleged war crimes in Ukraine to be investigated, criminals punished and victims helped. This is the crux of today’, says the minister. “The war has a huge impact on all of us, but especially on the Ukrainian people.”
Thirty ministers are arriving in London at the invitation of Yesilgöz and his British colleague and deputy prime minister Dominic Raab. ‘Raab called me and said he saw a lot of support for the ICC. We said we want to join forces. So we started together and very practically planned this meeting in London.’
“We want all ministers to guarantee extra support,” Yezilguz stresses. ‘Then it can be about money, material and people. Everything is needed to ensure that impunity and its prevention remain a top priority on the international agenda.’ It is important that the evidence can be collected in Ukraine. “We need everyone to put the experts to work and talk to the victims.”
“We want all ministers to guarantee further support”
From the Netherlands, one million euros more will go to the ICC. “We have already given two million, this is in addition to that. And you should consider sending forensic investigators, for example.’ Of that million, half goes to the International Criminal Court for support. The other half goes to support victims, including those of sexual assault. “We want them to be heard, for their testimonies to be used. We need very qualified people for this.’
noses
The noses of the ministers present in London all seem to point in the same direction. The expectation is therefore that the court can count on more support, says the minister. “Everyone is here with the same reason. We want the Ukrainian people to deal with justice and war criminals.’ The message here is mainly that forces are coming together, says Yesilgöz. “To show that the whole world is united against the aggressor. This has to stop.’
“It’s about making it clear that someone won’t get away with it”
Put in
Last week the court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin. However, the court is not recognized by Russia, so the question is whether Putin will ever appear before the court. “It is important that an independent tribunal like the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague wants to look for the perpetrators of this war. It’s a very strong signal and if there’s a time when they can take action, they definitely will. It’s about making it clear that someone is not going to get away with it.’
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