Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW) strongly condemns the military invasion of Ukraine and the recognition of the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states by the Russian Federation. We call on all parties to ensure respect for human rights, women’s rights, and international humanitarian law.
We stand in solidarity with the International NGO community who are working to build peace in both Ukraine and Russia.
War is never gender-neutral. Women and girls in all their diversity are disproportionately affected by war, and it is no different in this conflict. It is vital to support humanitarian efforts led by Ukrainian women and ensure their participation in decision-making on peace and security in accordance with Ukraine’s National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
APWW urges the United Nations Security Council and the broader international community to take all necessary action to restore security in Ukraine, protect civilians and prioritise their needs, especially those of women peacebuilders, activists, and vulnerable populations.
APWW stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, especially women and youth peacebuilders, who are key actors in the survival and resilience of their families and communities during a crisis. We must continue to listen to and amplify the voices of the Ukrainian people. We reinforce their calls for:
- An immediate ceasefire, cessation of all hostilities, and adherence with international humanitarian law;
- Safe and accessible humanitarian corridors for evacuation and the delivery of aid that reaches all Ukrainian people in need, especially minority communities;
- Initiation of a peace process which ensures the meaningful participation of women, youth, and other historically marginalised communities at all stages of negotiations;
- Provision of rapid technical and financial support to Ukraine civil society organisations, including women’s rights organisations on the frontlines of the humanitarian crisis;
- Protection of women’s rights and human rights in Ukraine by Member States, multilateral institutions;
- An investigation of the crimes of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed within the territory of Ukraine by the International Criminal Court;
- Accountability for human rights violations through gender-responsive monitoring and accountability mechanisms led by international actors such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and
- Integration of key provisions of the Women, Peace, and Security resolutions into all programs and security initiatives in response to the conflict in Ukraine.