site.btaDeputy Justice Minister Dechev in Riga: Bulgaria Stands in Full Solidarity with Ukraine and Its People

Deputy Justice Minister Emil Dechev and the Minister's chef de cabinet Borislav Ganchev participated in an informal conference of Justice Ministers in Riga, Latvia on Monday. Addressing the forum, Dechev expressed Bulgaria's unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. "We condemn the ongoing Russian aggression and want to express our full solidarity with Ukraine and its people," he said as quoted by the Justice Ministry.

which is being held under the Latvian Presidency of the Organisation’s Committee of Ministers

The informal conference was entitled “On the Path to Justice for Ukraine: Advancing Accountability, Supporting the Resilience of its Justice System and Reuniting Children with their Families”. Discussions focused on the Register of Damage, rebuilding Ukraine's justice system, including the investigation of Russian war crimes, and assisting Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia and Belarus. 

In his speech, Deputy Justice Minister Dechev pointed out that Bulgaria was one of the co-sponsors of the UN General Assembly resolution on support for remedies and reparations for aggression against Ukraine. He pointed out that Bulgaria had supported the establishment of a Register of Damage caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, stating that this represented an important first step towards achieving justice for violations of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. "As part of the Enhanced Partial Agreement, Bulgaria supports the Register's activities to provide timely reparations to victims of internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine," Dechev added.