Saturday, 25 February 2023
In the context of the 22nd Winter Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OCSE).On the occasion of the 22nd session of the 22nd OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, MP, participated in a Plenary Session of the Assembly on the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
As the OSCE CSC Special Representative for Civil Society Participation, Mr Hatzigiannis highlighted the tragic humanitarian situation in which the country finds itself one year after the start of the Russian aggression.
Those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and massive human rights violations must be held accountable, Mr Hatzigiannis said. Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Ukraine are making a significant contribution in this direction by recording, collecting and communicating to the press and social media data on possible crimes as well as on the situation throughout the country.
Thanks to the action of Ukrainian NGOs, Mr. Hatzigiannis pointed out, millions of dollars have been raised for financial support and strengthening Ukraine's resilience, while in many cases NGOs have been mobilized to help resettle Ukrainian refugees who were forced to flee their homes. The role of NGOs in rebuilding the country and restoring the full functioning of its post-war democratic institutions is expected to be decisive, Mr Hatzigiannis underlined.
The war in Ukraine, Hatzigiannis pointed out, reminded us all that governments alone cannot solve all problems and that the contribution of NGOs is catalytic in addressing multiple crises. Therefore, the Cypriot MP stressed, their malicious demonization is reprehensible.
Mr. Hatzigiannis also participated in a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Assembly during which he informed the Members about the continuation this year of his initiative to consult with civil society bodies with the participation of the Rapporteurs of the three General Committees of the Assembly, for the purpose of preparing their Reports and Resolutions in view of the next Annual Session of the OSCE CSO next July. Finally, Mr Hatzigiannis referred to an initiative undertaken in cooperation with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to prepare guidelines for national parliaments on the participation of civil society in decision-making processes.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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