In the context of the fresh act on mobilization in Ukraine, many people wonder whether the countries of the European Union, so besides Poland, should send Ukrainian men to the front.
The answer is and can only be one: even if individual wants to do it, they cannot do it. And there are clear reasons for that.
They have no right.
First, global law. Under the Geneva Convention and another global treaties, countries are required to defend refugees. Sending them back to a country where they may be exposed to persecution or danger is simply a practice known as repoulementwhich is expressly forbidden.
In Poland, not all who came from Ukraine have exile status. However, this does not change the fact that if they arrived legally and registered their presence Poland, accepting them even as average immigrants, has the work to defend them from danger, especially as these people came before the adoption of the latest act on mobilization. The law besides protects them in this case due to the fact that it does not act backwards. present Poland can only reject the acceptance of people who are covered by the fresh law – although it does not have to.
Humanity and stability
Secondly, the rule of humanitarianism. The European Union has always considered itself and considers itself a bastion of human rights and humanitarian values. Sending people back to war, especially erstwhile they are people who have escaped, seeking security, is contrary to these values.
Thirdly, regional stability. The war in Ukraine is already tragic enough. Sending more people to the front will only increase the scale of the conflict and contribute to further destabilisation of the region and the deaths of more young people.
They don't want to be slaves to a madman.
Fourth, social justice. Many of these men are fathers, husbands, sons. They have families who care about them and who depend on them. Sending them back to war is not only unfair to them, but besides to their families.
The Mobilisation Act adopted in Ukraine has no legal effect on the territory of the European Union. The men who arrived legally in the territory of Poland, seeking shelter, are free people who do not want to participate in the madness which the most celebrated cabaretist from the yellow-blue flag has performed. These are free men, not someone's property, and they don't want to be war slaves to a bearded man in a green T-shirt. If they want to live in peace, they have all right to.
The Way of Peace
In conclusion, although the situation in Ukraine is complicated and challenging, it is not the right answer to mention Ukrainian men to the front. Instead, EU countries should focus on providing support for refugees, promoting peace and stableness in the region and respecting human rights and global law, preferably by convincing extremists from Kiev to start negotiations, as besides requested by the Pope Francis.
This is the way we should follow. This is the way that leads to peace, justice and dignity for all.
David Hermes
