Second Meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine

13-09-2023

Sofía Medina Sánchez

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

On the 12 th of September, the second meeting of the Conference of Participants of the
Register of damage caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, was held
in Riga. Representatives from more than 40 countries attended.

At the opening, Bjørn Berge, the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stressed
the importance of this second meeting to move towards justice and accountability for
damages caused by Russia to Ukraine.

The Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia, Inese Lībiņa-Egnere said: ““It is our duty
as the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore the rule of law and
bring the aggressors to justice. One way to do this is through the Register of Damage for
Ukraine. The informal conference of ministers of justice provided political guidance to the
member states for focused and efficient functioning of the Register by supporting Riga
principles”.

The Register will act as a recollection of evidence and claims for loss, damage or injury
suffered by all natural and legal persons and by the State of Ukraine, due to Russia’s
internationally wrongful acts against Ukraine.

The Netherlands has signed a Host State Agreement establishing the seat of the Register in
The Hague, since the first meeting of the Conference of Participants back in June. The second
meeting dealt with financial issues and the appointment procedure of the Board.

 On the 11th of September, the ministers of Justice of Council of Europe member and
observer states jointly approved a declaration that outlines a set of principles known as the
"Riga principles". These principles aim to establish a comprehensive framework for holding
the Russian Federation accountable for its aggression against Ukraine and ensuring that all
victims of the conflict receive appropriate remedies. This includes enhancing the
effectiveness of the Register of Damage resulting from the aggression.

Sources and further Reading:

Council of Europe, Newsroom, The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage for
Ukraine holds its second meeting, 12 September 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/the-conference-of-participants-of-the-register-of-damage-for-ukraine-holds-its-second-meeting 

Council of Europe Portal, Speeches, 2nd meeting of the Conference of Participants of the
Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register of Damage caused by the Aggression of the
Russian Federation against Ukraine, 12 September 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/deputy-secretary-general/-/2nd-meeting-of-the-conference-of-participants-of-the-enlarged-partial-agreement-on-the-register-of-damage-caused-by-the-aggression-of-the-russian-federation-against-ukraine