Under the auspices of the Council of Europe, an International Claims Commission for Ukraine has been established. The Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine was signed on behalf of Georgia by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili.
According to a press release issued by the Council of Europe, the International Claims Commission will be the second part of a comprehensive compensation mechanism related to Russia’s war of aggression, building on the existing Register of Damage for Ukraine. The claims commission will be established within the framework of the Council of Europe and will also be open to other countries.
“The Register of Damage for Ukraine, created in 2023, collects and records compensation claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine. Forty-four states and the European Union have so far joined the Register, which has already received 86,000 claims.
The International Claims Commission will review, assess and decide upon claims submitted to the Register of Damage for Ukraine and determine the amount of compensation, if any, which is due in each case.
The convention establishing the commission will enter into force once it has been ratified by 25 signatories, as long as sufficient funds have been secured to support its initial work.
Beyond the compensation mechanism, the Council of Europe is committed to Ukraine’s long-term future through a comprehensive approach centered on democratic reconstruction and accountability,” the press release states.
Maka Botchorishvili also delivered a speech in The Hague, emphasizing that Ukraine must have effective tools to receive compensation for the damage inflicted on the country and its people as a result of the unjust war.
“The struggle of the Ukrainian people to defend their country cannot leave us indifferent. The tragic reality we are witnessing today in the heart of Europe requires greater efforts to restore peace in the region. Blatant violations of international norms must not go unanswered. We have gathered here today to take yet another step, on behalf of the international community, toward establishing the necessary legal mechanisms. Ukraine must have appropriate instruments to receive compensation for the damage inflicted upon the country and its people as a result of this unjust war. Georgia, as a founding member of the Register of Damage, welcomes this next step toward establishing the International Claims Commission,” she said.
In her speech, the Foreign Minister also drew attention to Georgia’s own difficult experience, noting that Georgia understands better than most the importance of adherence to international law and the heavy price societies pay as a result of injustice.
“We know firsthand the human cost of unresolved injustice—the displacement of civilians, the destruction of homes, and the lasting scars left on societies when accountability is denied. Even today, we continue our struggle and make use of existing legal mechanisms to ensure that the violated rights of our citizens, resulting from Russia’s occupation of two regions of Georgia, are not forgotten. Despite numerous decisions by international courts holding Russia responsible vis-à-vis Georgia, it continues to disregard international law and its international obligations,” said Maka Botchorishvili.
The diplomatic conference was attended by leaders and high-level representatives from over 50 states, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.
“Today marks a major step forward in ensuring accountability for Ukraine. The International Claims Commission represents justice and hope for tens of thousands of victims—our determination that those who have suffered will not be forgotten. I call for quick ratifications so we can get the commission rapidly up and running for the people of Ukraine,” said Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “We expect that every mechanism for compensation from the Register of Damage and Claims Commission to the actual payments – will start working and receive strong and sufficient international support, so that people can truly feel that any kind of damage caused by the war can be compensated. This war, and Russia’s responsibility for it, MUST become a clear example – so that others learn not to choose aggression.”
“Accountability is about creating the conditions for peace that endures. And therefore, accountability is a condition of security – today and for the future. But accountability is not only about Ukraine. And it is not only about one aggressor and one victim. Accountability is about Europe. About every country in Europe. It is about whether Europe, as a whole, is willing to defend its peace,” said Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, said: “Every day Russia is deliberately bombarding homes, destroying businesses and damaging infrastructure in Ukraine. Russia must compensate Ukraine for the damage caused. That is why we have launched the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and we are honoured to host it.”
