The NSW Parliament discussed the importance of supporting Ukraine's international efforts aimed at de-occupying the Crimea and protecting human rights in the occupied peninsula.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Mykola Kulinich informed the participants about the human rights situation in the occupied peninsula and told about the efforts made by Ukraine to de-occupy the Ukrainian territory, in particular within the framework of the activity of the international platform "Friends of the Crimean De-occupation".
"For four years, Ukraine is struggling for the de-occupation of the Crimea, restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, guaranteeing basic human rights for all Ukrainian citizens, including the most affected categories - the indigenous people of the Crimean peninsula - the Crimean Tatars ... We are grateful to the Government and people of Australia for the steadfast support of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine ... Understanding that even distant Australia with us adds strength to this struggle", the ambassador emphasized.
The co-campaigner, the chairman of the Australian Labor Party in NSW Parliament, Luke Foley said:
"We are aware that countries like Australia should continue to draw attention to violations of international law by such countries as the Russian Federation".
Speakers of the support of the efforts of the Ukrainian government and the people were also the chairman of the Christian Democratic Party, vice president of the Legislative Council (upper house) of the State Parliament Fred Nile and chairman of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations Stefan Romaniv.
Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sydney Yaroslav Duma on behalf of the Ukrainian community Sydney thanked the NSW parliamentarians for supporting the initiatives of the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian diplomatic missions.
During the event, the photo exhibition "Adult Crimean Childhood" was demostrated, which was screened by the Russian journalist "Radio Liberty" Anton Naimyuk, who focused on the children from the families of Crimean political prisoners.
The event was attended by representatives of the honorary and general consulates of Poland, Germany, France, Estonia, accredited in Sydney, deputies of the Parliament of the NSW, heads of Ukrainian public organizations in Sydney, from an expert and academic environment.