At Nordic Right, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have been enduring the devastating consequences of the Russian Federation’s full-scale military invasion since February 24, 2022. For over one-and-a-half years, daily lives have been marred by loss, destruction, and suffering. We condemn these acts of aggression and support the establishment of the International Compensation Mechanism as a just and proportional response.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to immense human suffering, with individuals, businesses, and the environment bearing the brunt of the aggression. Nordic Rights is deeply concerned about the plight of those who have lost their properties, businesses, investments, and livelihoods due to this war. While the issue of compensation remains complex due to the state’s involvement in the aggression, we believe it is crucial to explore all available avenues for justice.
Ukraine, in collaboration with international partners, has initiated the establishment of the International Compensation Mechanism, which comprises the International Register of Damages, the International Compensation Fund, and the International Compensation Commission. This mechanism is in line with the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-11/5 of November 14, 2022, recognizing the need for an international compensation mechanism.
Nordic Rights supports the International Compensation Mechanism as a means of holding the aggressor accountable for the harm inflicted, ranging from personal losses to environmental damages. It aligns with the principles outlined in the General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX) of December 14, 1974, stating that aggression is a crime against international peace, and territorial acquisition or special advantage resulting from aggression is not recognized as lawful.
The establishment of the International Compensation Mechanism provides a structured approach, starting from documenting the damages to making decisions and providing compensation to the claimants. The Ukrainian Ministry of Environment has estimated that the Russian military aggression has set back the world from climate neutrality by over 150 million tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to approximately €11.7 billion. The compensation mechanism also takes into account such environmental harm.
Individuals and legal entities, both residents and non-residents of Ukraine, can submit their damage data to the International Registry of Damages if they have suffered losses. The criteria for acceptance are straightforward and do not require the specific attribution of harm to Russian armed forces, as all military actions are a result of the Russian Federation’s aggressive invasion.
While the timeline for this procedure is not definitive, significant progress has been made, with the establishment of the International Registry of Damages and ongoing efforts to make all components of the International Compensation Mechanism operational by the end of 2024.
Nordic Rights commends the international community’s support for the establishment of the International Compensation Mechanism. Various countries, including the United States, are considering national laws to support this mechanism, ensuring that the International Compensation Fund is sufficiently funded to meet the demands of the affected parties.
We are inspired by the dedication of individuals like Vasyl Selifonov, a Ukrainian lawyer now living in Ireland, who has been actively involved in advising the Ukrainian government on claims against Russia over environmental harms caused by the invasion.
Nordic Rights reaffirms its commitment to defending human rights and justice in the Nordic Region and beyond. We stand with Ukraine in its pursuit of accountability and compensation for the victims of the ongoing conflict. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable world.
