No lasting peace without justice in Ukraine

News item | 03-06-2026 | 13:50

From 22 – 26 June, democratic forum Almedalsveckan is taking place in Visby, on the island of Gotland. As part of the Global Dialogue Garden program, the embassy of the Netherlands is hosting a seminar on accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine.

Seminar on accountability in Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a serious violation of international law. At the same time, civilians continue to be subjected to indiscriminate attacks. There are also extensive reports of war crimes committed by Russian forces, including the torture of prisoners of war, sexual violence against civilians, and the deportation of children.

During the seminar, we will provide an update on the current situation and discuss key questions: Who has the mandate to investigate war crimes and prosecute perpetrators? How can evidence be collected and preserved in a way that stands up in court? Why is a special tribunal for the crime of aggression needed? And what is being done to ensure compensation for those affected?

We will also highlight how individuals, civil society organisations, and states can contribute to ensuring accountability and justice. Aggression must not pay. International crimes must not go unpunished. The harm caused must be acknowledged and repaired.

These issues will be discussed together with Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, and Måns Molander, Nordic Director of Human Rights Watch. Together, we can help ensure that those responsible are held accountable and promote justice for Ukraine - because without justice, there can be no lasting peace.

Event details:

  • Wednesday, 24 June 2026
  • 15:00 - 15:45
  • Global Dialogue Garden, Birgers gränd 7, Visby
  • See event description in the official program

 

This seminar is part of the Global Dialogue Garden - a stage for dialogue on global matters, such as international law, human rights and development cooperation. See full program on Wednesday 24 June below:

12:45 Opening Speech UNHCR
13:00 - 13:45 Vad händer när vi börjar skriva om reglerna? Är det moraliska ledarskapet på reträtt? UNHCR
14:00 - 14:45 Det globala humanitära systemet i kris och reform: hur gör vi mer med mindre, och bättre? LM International, World Vision Nordic, EuroAcademy
15:00 - 15:45 Ingen fred utan rättvisa – vad kan vi göra mot straffrihet för internationella brott i Ukraina? Nederländernas ambassad, Ukrainska hubben
16:00 - 16:45 Vad är fredsavtal värt när kriget fortsätter? Folke Bernadotteakademin
17:00 - 17:45 Sudan – världens största humanitära katastrof? Better Shelter, Rädda Barnen
17:45 - 18:30 Strategisk eller naiv – hur ska Sverige navigera mellan försvar och konfliktförebyggande? International Rescue Committee, ONE Campaign, World Food Program Nordic