The Georgian civil society expresses its deep concern over the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine and extends its profound sympathy for the loss of civilian lives.

Over the past two months, the Ukrainian authorities have disregarded the legitimate and peaceful demands of their people. Moreover, they have adopted draconian laws restricting civil liberties, thereby provoking demonstrators and exacerbating nationwide tensions.

Every nation holds the sovereign right to determine its own future, to choose its international orientation and path of development. Governments that claim to represent the will of their people bear the responsibility to act in accordance with their citizens’ aspirations. The Ukrainian government, which came to power on the promise of accelerating the country’s European integration, withdrew from signing the Association Agreement with the European Union on the eve of the Vilnius Summit—citing reasons that failed to convince the Ukrainian public—and thus jeopardised the country’s European prospects.

In recent days, the situation has escalated dangerously, leading to violent clashes between parts of the demonstrators and law enforcement officials, resulting in casualties among peaceful citizens. Reports have emerged of enforced disappearances under suspicious circumstances, as well as instances of retribution against protesters and members of civil society, including journalists, by groups mobilised by the authorities. The government’s attempt to suppress legitimate public protest through violent and inhumane means is evident and deeply alarming.

The confrontation, which has already claimed several lives, threatens the stability of the country and undermines the protection of democratic values and fundamental human rights. In such circumstances, it is the government’s duty to take all necessary measures to restore a peaceful and constitutional order, to ensure the safety of its citizens, and to safeguard the freedoms of expression and assembly.

While expressing our profound concern about the current situation, we protest against the actions of the Ukrainian authorities for violating democratic values and committing widespread human rights abuses. We hope that the international community will intensify its efforts to end the violence, promote democratic and peaceful solutions, and uphold the Ukrainian people’s European aspirations.

We call upon the Ukrainian authorities to demonstrate goodwill and engage in meaningful negotiations with the legitimate representatives of the peaceful opposition and civil society in order to reach a fair and inclusive agreement. Such dialogue would help to return the political process to a democratic framework and reinforce a spirit of respect for the will and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.

We express our solidarity with the Ukrainian opposition and civil society in their just demands, and we urge them to remain steadfast and committed to their chosen path of peaceful resistance.

We also call upon the institutions of the European Union—the Council, the Parliament, and the Commission—to employ all available mechanisms to persuade the Ukrainian authorities to refrain from using force against demonstrators and to engage in constructive dialogue with opposition forces.

Finally, we urge the Government of Georgia to promptly assess the laws recently adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and to appeal to the Ukrainian authorities to respect human dignity and freedom of choice, and to demonstrate the political will necessary for a peaceful and just resolution of the ongoing crisis.

The statement is endorsed by 64 organisations.