Statement of Protest Against Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
We strongly protest the significant loss of lives and the destruction of livelihoods caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Humanity has suffered tremendous damage through the many wars of our past, but our experiences have led us to form an international consensus for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The use of force to suppress others must not be tolerated for any reason. The importance of human life and the observance of fundamental human rights take precedence over all; at the same time, we acknowledge that cultural heritage is vital for the survival and well-being of societies and cultures and is an irreplaceable component of our basic human rights. It is our strong desire that the safety of all people be equally protected, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, or any other factor, and that cultural heritage be protected from destruction.
8 March 2022
MATSUMOTO Naoko
Director of the Research Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations