Denmark launches global platform to work for accountability following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

On March 25, along with Foreign Ministers from Albania, Colombia, Marshall Islands, the Netherlands and Ukraine, Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod launched a Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine to support steps to ensure accountability for violations against international law and human rights following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

With the establishment of the group, Denmark has taken the initiative to ensure coordination, synergies and broad international support for initiatives already taken to document and prosecute crimes following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In just one week, more than 45 countries from across the globe have come together to join this cause.

In the same vein, the Danish government is providing an extraordinary contribution of 100,000 USD to a new fund by the International Criminal Court (ICC) established in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With this contribution, Denmark supports the court’s investigation into the most serious international crimes.

Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod states:

“Denmark condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s war against Ukraine. It is vital to ensure accountability for any crimes committed. Therefore, it is essential to gather and secure evidence for future prosecutions. That is why the Danish government has just decided to make an extraordinary contribution to the International Criminal Court. And with this new global platform for accountability, Denmark plays a leading role in ensuring international focus and continued broad support for this important cause.”

Some the of the initiatives launched to ensure accountability in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine includes the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court, the establishment of Commissions of Inquiry under both the Human Rights Council and the OSCE.

The Group of Friends will also engage with civil society working to gather evidence of human rights violations in Ukraine.

For further contact: pressevagten@um.dk