Canberra's Ukrainian and diplomatic communities marked the fifth anniversary of the downing of MH17 on Friday, promising never to forget the tragedy and to continue to work for justice.
Canberra's Ukrainian and diplomatic communities marked the fifth anniversary of the downing of MH17 on Friday, promising never to forget the tragedy and to continue to work for justice.
Thirty-nine Australian citizens and residents were among the 298 victims when the Malaysia Airlines flight, bound for Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine, in an area controlled by pro-Russian rebels.
His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and diaspora (right) and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and diaspora led the memorial service. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong
"Five years have passed since the tragedy, five years and we are still struggling to bring to justice those responsible for the MH17 downing which took the lives of 298 innocent people, including 80 children," said the Ukrainian embassy's Charge d'Affares Halyna Yuspiuk said.
"Five years on and we look into the eyes of the family and friends of those who are yet to hear the words of regret and recognition from the country which killed their loved ones."
His Eminence said memorials like the one in Canberra, and others featuring sunflower seeds from the crash site, were ensuring people remembered the victims.
The Australian MH17 memorial sits in the House of Representatives formal gardens, on the edge of Parliament House, featuring soil from the crash site and bearing the names of the Australian victims.
The names were read out as part of the service, as each was commemmorated and prayed for.
Stefan Romaniw, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, said the international community wanted someone to be held account for the crime.
"We have a responsibility, we can't forget," he said.
Ten-year-old Katya Levics layed a wreath during the commemorative service for victims of MH17 at the memorial in the gardens of Parliament House.