Blogginlägg -
A war has started...
To start a sentence in 2022 with these words is almost unimaginable. This introduction is common in several of the history novels I have read over the years, but never would I have thought that these words would reflect our own reality today.
When the Berlin wall fell, the future of human freedom and democracy looked so bright. Today, that feels very far away. Even if we do not have a military confrontation outside our windows, the feeling of war being outside is very evident.
ICLD has both municipal partnerships and teams in the international training programmes, ITP, in Ukraine. It is hard to imagine how they must have felt this morning. Hopefully, they have not been affected in a way that has endangered their lives or health. We follow the development hour by hour and we have continuous contact with our partners in Ukraine.
To work with strengthening democracy and to give people the opportunity to decide their futures themselves, is the purpose of all activities that ICLD conducts. We are constantly looking for ways to start dialogues and to have open conversations and interactions – even with those who does not necessarily share our point of view. That effort will need our continued support. But in an armed conflict everything is upside down, including municipal partnerships and the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences. We look forward to, as soon as possible, work together with the Ukrainian municipalities again, towards increasing democracy, strengthening of governance systems, and the establishment of citizens’ civil rights.
Our message to our Ukrainian friends is to not give up hope, to continue working for a future where citizens regardless of their ethnic background have the opportunity to live and act in an open democratic society, where conditions are equal and fair for all.
We know that there are many peace-loving Russians who with horror in their eyes observe that the Russian leadership is throwing the Russian population into a very uncertain and unpleasant future. As much as we condemn the attacks and the invasion by the Russian regime, we just as much stand behind all the Russians who wants a future of peace, freedom, and democracy.
/Johan Lilja Secretery General ICLD
