日本語版はこちらへ (to Japanese version)
(International Sign Version)
The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, which began on February 24, 2022, is a violation of the UN Charter that seriously threatens peace, order and life in the international community and in Ukraine, and is inhumane and not permissible. We, the Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD) strongly hope that the citizens of both Ukraine and the Russian Federation will be able to regain their peaceful lives as soon as possible.
We learned from World War II, 77years ago, that war imposes great sacrifices and hardships on citizens, especially children and persons with disabilities who face even more difficulties, and pledged for world peace. This desire is reflected in one of the resolutions of our federation, “Let us strive for world peace.”
Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires State Parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies.
We urge countries around the world to ensure the protection and security of persons with disabilities and children, and especially refugees with disabilities in Ukraine and around the world. We also want to ask all countries to ensure the exercise of their rights to receive information and express their opinions and expressions freely through the means of communication of their own choosing.
As a citizen of the international community, together with all members across Japan, we oppose wars that create many tragedies, and we will continue to seek for international cooperation and world peace.
March 14, 2022
Japanese Federation of the Deaf
