EIN Statement Following Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

EIN expresses its solidarity with our members, partners, colleagues and friends in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all the people of Ukraine.

The act of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine not only undermines the prohibition of use of force under the UN Charter, but also the object and purpose of the Council of Europe. All human rights fall victim to aggressive use of force, armed conflict and occupation.

On 25th February 2022, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe held that Russia had seriously violated the Statute of the Council of Europe through its act of aggression in Ukraine and voted to suspend Russia’s rights of representation in the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. EIN welcomes this necessary step.

The Russian Federation continues to be bound by the European Convention on Human Rights and is subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. It is also still bound to implement judgments of the European Court of Human Rights that are pending implementation. In the event that the Russian Federation withdraws or is expelled from the Council of Europe, it will still be bound by existing judgments pending implementation. 

The Russian Federation should immediately cease hostilities in Ukraine and provide reparations for all unlawful acts it has committed. 

EIN Chair Professor Başak Çalı