This fratricidal war is a violation of the principles of the international order established in 1945, starting with the prohibition on the use of force against the sovereign equality, political independence and territorial integrity of another state, and the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes. But it also calls into question the foundations of justice and peace in the world, “the maintenance of which rests essentially on a genuinely democratic political system (and) on a common understanding and observance of human rights”, as stated in the Preamble to the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights. The military escalation, with the risk of going to extremes, is already having very serious consequences, with its violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes, and even crimes against humanity, while civilian populations and displaced persons are paying a very heavy price. Following the example of the United Nations General Assembly with its resolution of March 2, 2022, the Council of Europe with the decision of the Committee of Ministers of the same day, and the European Court of Human Rights, which has just ruled on provisional measures, international organizations have reacted firmly to denounce the armed aggression, call for an immediate ceasefire and facilitate access for humanitarian aid. The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are also involved. Numerous civil society actors have mobilized to demonstrate their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and organize the reception of refugees within the European Union. For its part, the René Cassin Foundation reaffirms that lasting peace can only be established on the basis of respect for the right of peoples to self-determination and the guarantee of human rights for all. This is the profound meaning of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. More than ever, the mission of the René Cassin Foundation is to recall “that disregard and contempt for human rights have led to acts of barbarism which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and that the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people”. In the midst of the Cold War, René Cassin’s generation asserted this ideal of the international community with determination, lucidity and courage, at the end of two world wars. It is the challenge of our generations to keep it alive, in Europe and throughout the world, through education and training in human rights, by putting the law at the service of peace.

Emmanuel DECAUX
Chairman of the René Cassin Foundation
International Institute for Human Rights

Sébastien TOUZÉ
Director of the René Cassin Foundation
International Institute for Human Rights