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G20 civil societies group calls for end to hostilities in Ukraine
The Group of 20 forum for Civil Society Organizations, Civil 20 or C20, called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and for sympathy, support and global solidarity for the Ukrainian people.
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An organizing committee member passes in front of a floor plan of the rooms used for the G20 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors Meeting at the Jakarta Convention Center on Feb. 16, 2022. (Antara/M Risyal Hidayat)
The Group of 20 (G20) forum for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Civil 20 or C20, called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and for sympathy, support and global solidarity for the Ukrainian people, as well as Russian citizens who are against the war at the opening of the group’s meeting in Tanjung Benoa, Bali, on Monday.
"We strongly urge an end to all types of hostilities in Ukraine, which have broken international law and caused a tremendous humanitarian tragedy for Ukrainian civilians. It has also had a global social and economic impact and has the potential to trigger wider conflicts," said C20 co-chair Herni Ramdlaningrum, who read the statement along with CSO head of secretariat, Rachmi Hertanti, at the kick-off ceremony and meeting.
They also urged the G20 leaders to stop the harmful power struggle between actors in Western and Eastern Europe that jeopardizes the people in those regions.
"We urge Russia to immediately stop its military offenses and begin to negotiate. Russia must play its role as a member of the United Nations and the international community that respects world peace and security," the statement said.
The group also demanded both conflict parties allow access for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as stipulated by international humanitarian law, as well as access for other non-governmental agencies to distribute humanitarian aid to civilians in need.
The C20 forum also urged the G20 members to be more active and make every effort to stop the war. "Members must pay attention to humanitarian issues and support the UN and other international civil society organizations in creating a sustainable humanitarian aid architecture able to support the victims of all conflicts," Herni said.
Delegates called for safe passage for civilians from the war zone, and that protection of refugees and asylum seekers from Ukraine be provided, they demanded that all individuals seeking protection, regardless of their nationality, identity or gender, be given access to fair, effective and urgent humanitarian assistance.
