Meeting for the 20th World Humanist Congress, over 400 delegates from 43 countries took part in the discussions around the theme of “Building better democracies through humanist values”. One of these sessions was “How can the outside world help rebuild and strengthen Ukrainian democracy after the war?” Taking part in the discussions was Oleksandra Romantsova, executive director of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties and Nobel peace prize laureate 2022, as well as Remus Cernea, journalist reporting from Ukraine for the Romanian edition of Newsweek, former Parliamentarian in Romania, and former President of the Romanian Humanist Association.
The General Assembly of Humanists International wishes to restate and underline its condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read the Position Statement on Russian invasion of Ukraine issued in 2022.
In doing so it calls upon all its Members to urge their own governments to oppose the actions of the Russian Federation, which in their motivations and their consequences, stand directly opposed to all humanist aspirations.
Remus Cernea, former Romanian MP and former President of the Romanian Humanist Association
Remus Cernea, former Romanian MP and former President of the Romanian Humanist Association, commented:
“It’s crucial for Ukrainians to see that they are not alone in this hard and long battle that requires immeasurable human costs. Putin’s regime started a war not only with Ukraine but also against all of the fundamental values of democracy, humanism, and the civilized world, and it is a threat to all of the friends of freedom and peace.”
Andrew Copson, President of Humanists International
Andrew Copson, President of Humanists International, commented:
“Our gathering of humanist leaders from around the world was united in its desire to see the Russian Federation cease its violent invasion of Ukraine and in condemnation of Russia’s multiple violations of human rights and international law.”