We, the members of the UNIMA Board, are deeply shocked and concerned at the current situation in Ukraine.

UNIMA, with its NGO status, promotes the noblest human values such as peace and mutual understanding between people regardless of origin, political or religious convictions and differences in culture, in accordance with the respect for fundamental human rights as defined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights of December 10th 1948.

As an NGO affiliated to UNESCO, UNIMA associates itself with UNESCO’s National Commissions for UNESCO of Europe (and beyond) in condemning the attack on Ukraine.

“Recent events mark a watershed for Ukraine, Europe and the whole world. The National Commissions for UNESCO of Europe (and beyond) condemn the attack on Ukraine by the Russian Federation in the strongest terms. We express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, which includes the journalists covering the conflict zone, and the teachers, educators, students and pupils who have the right to be educated in peace. We fully support our partners who advocate for UNESCO’s goals and values in Ukraine and beyond.

On 24 February, UNESCO called for the respect of international humanitarian law. Specifically, it called for the preservation of freedom of information, the protection of media professionals and to respect the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. A total of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in Ukraine. Following the recent escalation of violence, the UN Secretary General Mr. António Guterres asked the Russian President to withdraw his troops from Ukraine.”

We call for international solidarity of all artists and puppeteers from around the world in support of the citizens of Ukraine. We call on the Russian government to cease all aggression towards its neighbour and sovereign nation.