The Register of Damage is central to the Council of Europe’s work to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. It was established quickly and efficiently and has already achieved a great deal in a very short time, with more than 10,000 claims submitted for damage or destruction of residential housing.
Many more claims will follow in this category and the range of others that were discussed by the Conference of Participants today.
I am pleased that the Register has attracted many members, including from outside Europe. Equally, the Council of Europe is ambitious for more. I raised this with leaders from a wide range of countries during my meetings at the recent UN General Assembly High-Level Week and during the Sommet de la Francophonie in Villers-Cotterêts.
In the months ahead, I will continue to make the case for wider membership during similar high-level meetings. Given the unique experience and expertise that is available in this organisation, that case is a strong one. The Register of Damage is the first step towards an international compensation mechanism. The next will be the creation of a Claims Commission, concerning which I am pleased that discussions are now underway.
On this too, the Council of Europe is ready to play a key role, making available all the professional, legal and diplomatic skills, knowledge and practice at our disposal, built up over the course of the past 75 years. Ultimately, this is about ensuring sustainable justice for our member state, Ukraine. Russia must be held to account. The Council of Europe is united in its unwavering commitment to achieving that.
