FM Botchorishvili: Georgia knows what forced displacement and family separation mean, international law must form basis of collective response
“Georgia once again reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We support international efforts aimed at achieving peace, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said in her address to the second international conference in Toronto.
Botchorishvili is participating in the event, titled “Pathways to Peace: The Second International Conference on the Return of Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War,” at the invitation of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada and, in particular, to Foreign Minister Anita Anand for inviting us to and hosting this important ministerial meeting in Toronto.
The ongoing war against Ukraine and its consequences extend far beyond the battlefield and inflict immense suffering on civilians. The situation of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war requires our constant and joint attention.
What we have heard today reminds us once again that war is not only about the loss of lives and the damage caused by the destruction of infrastructure. War has a devastating impact on families torn apart, children separated from their homes and loved ones, civilians deprived of their freedom, and prisoners of war awaiting their return,” Botchorishvili said.
According to the Foreign Minister, these issues are particularly painful for Georgia.
“Our difficult experience resulting from conflict and occupation has taught us the severity of the long-term humanitarian consequences of war. Russia’s ongoing occupation of two regions of Georgia has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and deprived them of their fundamental right to return safely, voluntarily and with dignity to their homes.
We know what forced displacement means, what separation from families means, and what pain is caused by a society being torn apart. This experience further strengthens Georgia’s conviction that international law and international humanitarian law must form the basis of our collective response.
Georgia once again reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We support international efforts aimed at achieving peace in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
At the same time, peace must be accompanied by respect for human rights and humanitarian principles. Georgia will continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people and support the protection of international law, human dignity and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” Botchorishvili said.