Sir John Whittingdale OBE, MP for Maldon, arranged two events this week in Parliament to commemorate the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine in his capacity as Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Ukraine group, and as a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Ukraine.
Set in the backdrop of the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the reception event and roundtable event were titled “Echoes of Tragedy: Testimonies on Russia’s War in Ukraine”. Both events sought to shed light on the devastating impact of the war. Particularly focusing on the personal experiences of civilians.
The topics raised include a sensitive issue of children amidst the war, migration patterns and impacts they have on future generations, and other insights into the genocidal nature of the war. The event aimed to bring together a diverse group of speakers, including children survivors, Members of the UK Parliament, government officials, diplomatic community representatives, human rights activists.
The events were opened by children, witnesses of war crimes, who shared first-hand testimonies and memories about their experience of occupation and deportation.
The primary objectives of the two events were to:
1. Provide a platform for Ukrainian civilians and children to share their personal experiences and the horrors they have witnessed.
2. Discuss the role of war crimes documentation and legal implications of the witnesses’ testimonies in the context of international law.
3. Discuss the migration patterns and causes of forced displacement of Ukrainians within the country and abroad.
4. Explore effective strategies for international response, humanitarian aid, and justice for the victims, and raise awareness among UK parliamentarians and the international community about the ongoing crisis and its human impact.
Sir John is pictured attending the event alongside other organisers
Sir John gave the opening remarks at both events, and those attending then heard the testimonies of children affected by the war and discussion on possible avenues of legal and political accountability for the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
