Shedding Light on War’s Reality: ULN at the People of Steel Event julia vakulenko December 5, 2024

Shedding Light on War’s Reality: ULN at the People of Steel Event

Shedding Light on War’s Reality: ULN at the People of Steel Event
Shedding Light on War’s Reality: ULN at the People of Steel Event

On December 4th, Bogdana Cherniavska, on behalf of Ukraine Legal Network, participated in the screening of the documentary People of Steel at Cinecenter Amsterdam. Organised by ABBA Amsterdam and TDP as part of the global marathon “Culture vs War: 1000 Days of Resilience”, the screening drew attendees from different cultural backgrounds to witness the harrowing yet inspiring stories of Mariupol’s defenders and their families during the atrocities since first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The documentary, directed by Serhiy Fomenko, chronicles the siege of Mariupol from February to May 2022 and sheds light on the ongoing battle waged by the families of Mariupol and Azovstal defenders to secure their loved ones’ release from captivity. 

These personal stories highlight the unwavering resilience and determination of Ukrainians in the face of the devastating war. 

Keynote by Bogdana Cherniavska

Following the screening, Bogdana Cherniavska, a Ukrainian lawyer, project coordinator at ULN, and a researcher at VU Amsterdam, led an insightful discussion. Her remarks focused on the violations of international law evident in the events depicted in the film, particularly the treatment of civilians and prisoners of war during the siege.

“The film People of Steel is not just a collection of stories about violations but also important evidence that shows the resilience of the Ukrainian people and calls on the international community to take action. These stories highlight the urgent need to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable and the crucial role of international institutions in ensuring justice,” said Bohdana Cherniavska.

Her professional expertise provided the audience with a deeper understanding of the legal aspects of the events depicted in the film, particularly the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. This prompted a meaningful discussion on the principles of justice, the necessity of documenting war crimes, and the importance of preserving such evidence to hold perpetrators accountable within the framework of international justice.

A Global Call for Awareness

The marathon “Culture vs War: 1000 Days of Resilience” aims to bring the reality of the war in Ukraine to global audiences. Screenings around the world share stories of courage, endurance, and the ongoing fight for freedom and justice.

Ukraine Legal Network is honoured to have contributed to this initiative by supporting the Amsterdam screening and fostering dialogue around critical human rights issues.

Gratitude and Next Steps

We extend our thanks to ABBA Amsterdam, TDP for organising this impactful event and to all attendees who joined the discussion. A heartfelt thank you to Arina Matvieieva, a ULN volunteer, for graciously inviting ULN to take part in this meaningful event — your effort in fostering collaboration and connection is deeply appreciated!

ULN, a project of the Nuhanovic Foundation, remains committed to amplifying the voices of Ukraine’s defenders and advocating for justice on the international stage.

Stay tuned for more updates and events aimed at raising awareness about Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and justice.



Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *