To mark one month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has organised a rally on March 24 at 5 pm, outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin in protest at war and in support of Ukrainians, many of them defenceless children and civilians, who are being killed and injured.
There have been calls across the European and International Trade Union Movement for public demonstrations of solidarity, including from Ukraine, one month since Russia’s illegal invasion.
The ICTU Stand with Ukraine rally will be addressed by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Ms. Larysa Gerasko, Congress President Kevin Callinan together with representatives of the Ukrainian community in Ireland.
There will be an opportunity, in words and music, to remember those who have died, to protest at the illegal invasion, and to express solidarity with workers in Ukraine who have suffered as a result of the action of the Russian government.
The event will include a poetry recital by Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, NUJ, reading Seamus Heaney’s poem, ‘From the Republic of Conscience’, and music by the piper Noel Pocock, SIPTU.
ICTU President Kevin Callinan said “We support peace. But it must be a just peace, built on respect for democracy, self-determination, and humanity. That’s why Congress is clear that Russian troops are unwelcome in Ukraine, and they must clear out. And our solidarity amounts to more than just words of concern, sympathy, and admiration for the strength and conduct of your struggle. That’s why we have added our voices to calls for strong and united European and global action against Russia for as long as this illegal invasion continues.”
General Secretary Patricia King said “Ukrainian women, children, and men are living and dying in a horrific war of pain, depravity, and brutality. Those who have been able to leave the shelter of their basements have had to flee from cities and towns laid to ruin by Vladimir Putin’s ruthless warmongering. Ukrainians have inspired the world by standing against Putin’s invasion of a sovereign country”
As many as 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced and hundreds of thousands of refugees are seeking shelter in Europe, including Ireland and we must not be found wanting in offering sanctuary and shelter in Ireland.
The Stand with Ukraine rally takes place at the Russian Embassy, 184-186 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 14 on Thursday 24 March 2022 at 5pm.
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