Participation of Minister Veronica Mihailova-Moraru in the Informal Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe Member States
The Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailova-Moraru participated in the informal conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe Member States – “Towards Justice for Ukraine: Promoting Accountability, Supporting the Sustainability of its Justice System and Reuniting Children with their Children” held on 11 September 2023 in Riga, Latvia.
During the conference, the Minister of Justice spoke at Session II – “Supporting the sustainability of Ukraine’s justice system during the war and post-war period, including the investigation of war crimes committed by Russia”. Veronika Mihailova-Moraru said that the war in Ukraine is not only a challenge to national or regional security, but a global one that requires international commitment and a firm response. “The basic principles of the international community have been violated since February 2022 and military action must not undermine the credibility and effectiveness of international institutions.
Also, Veronica Mihailova-Moraru said that Moldova supports the creation of special international mechanisms to condemn the crimes of aggression against Ukraine and to make reparations. “We are open for co-operation and providing the necessary support to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for war crimes committed by Russia. Moldovan citizens and the Moldovan government remain committed to supporting Ukrainian citizens who are refugees in our country and will support Ukraine until victory,” the justice minister said.
It is worth mentioning that on 12 May 2023, the Committee of Ministers adopted Decision CM/Res(2023)3 on the creation of a Partially Extended Agreement on the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Conference also adopted the Declaration of the Council of Europe Ministers of Justice, which reaffirmed the joint commitment to Ukraine to restore justice, respect for human rights, international and humanitarian law, and support for accountability and reparations for victims.
The Riga Justice Ministers’ Conference was organised by the Latvian Ministry of Justice and the Council of Europe within the framework of Latvia’s chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The event was attended by delegates from 40 Council of Europe member states, representatives of observer countries and international organisations.
