The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is calling on G20 Leaders to deliver a clear, strong and united message during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, on 4-5 September 2016, that the G20 will not tolerate the blatant violations by the Russian Federation of its international obligations, including the UN Charter and the Minsk agreements.
The continued build-up by the Russian Federation of significant military technology in Crimea and the escalation of military activity in Eastern Ukraine manifestly breach Ukraine’s territorial integrity and seriously jeopardize peace and stability in the world.
In June 2016, there were 69 civilian casualties in Eastern Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression, including 12 dead and 57 injured. In July 2016, the number of civilian casualties increased with 73, including 8 dead and 65 injured. According to the UN Human Rights Office: “The monthly average for June and July this year, at 71, was more than double the monthly average of 34 in the nine months between September 2015 and May 2016.”
In addition, the Russian Federation is repeatedly abusing basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in Crimea, Eastern Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
“It is critical for the G20 Leaders to condemn Russian aggression against Ukraine and call for an increase of sanctions against the Russian Federation until it withdraws its military forces and equipment from the territory of Ukraine, de-occupies Crimea and stops hindering the work of international monitoring organizations who can help protect the rights of innocent civilians,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
