#WeStandWithUkraine - SDLP Youth and Labour Youth Condemn The Military Aggression In Ukraine

SDLP Youth and Labour Youth today express their shared condemnation of the ongoing exercise of military aggression of the Russian Federation within Ukraine. The actions of the Russian Federation today are a direct violation of international law, and of the legal order and pillars of justice in Europe. Indeed, such actions are a continuation of Russia’s non-compliance with international law, and the utilisation of military aggression in the act of imperialism. 

The scenes unfolding in the early hours of the morning in Ukraine were, and remain, deeply troubling. Equally as disturbing is the ongoing uncertainty as to the actions and objectives of the Russian Government in undertaking this use of hostility and intimidation.

The mobilisation of military personnel and equipment along the Russian/Ukraine border and the Russian/Belrussian border in recent weeks and months represented a deliberate measure of aggression and intimidation, seeking to disrupt stability in the region and undermine international law. The decision to escalate the situation through the “recognition” of the separatists’ movement in the Donbass region and the subsequent deployment of Russian military forces into the regions, and thereby invading Ukraine, is deeply concerning.

We are alarmed at the prospect of greater military deployment and the steep, traumatic ramifications this will have for Ukrainian citizens. There is a possibility of severe humanitarian crisis, instability, and forced displacement of Ukraine citizens who simply wish to live in their country in peace and security.

The Russian Federation must end its military aggression, withdraw its military presence from Ukraine, and recognise the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine and its constitutional independence. 

We believe it is crucial that multilateral organisations including the UN, EU, and NATO undertake the necessary measures to safeguard the citizens of Ukraine, and sanction the Russian Federation for their continued unprovoked and unjustified military actions.

Further, we call upon the EU institutions to facilitate the passage and travel of Ukrainian citizens into EU Member States without visas, and to implement urgently a fast-track asylum process for Ukrainian refugees.

We believe that the respective governments of our jurisdictions must commit to providing a safe harbour to Ukrainian citizens who seek refuge. As such, we call upon both the British and Irish Governments to adopt and implement a fast-track asylum process for Ukrainian citizens. 

Whilst the Northern Ireland Executive does not have legislative and policy competence for immigration matters, we call on the Executive to pledge to welcome and assist Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict. Northern Ireland knows too well of the issue of conflict, of the instability and turmoil it invokes, and the need to secure a safe home and should act to provide sanctuary.

SDLP Youth and Labour Youth stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian comrades and particularly our sister organisations within the YES network, who have steadfastly worked to advance the rule of law, human rights, peace, and democracy.