Germany’s Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Dr Stefanie Hubig, today visited the headquarters of the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) in The Hague. Germany is both a Participant in the Register and a long-standing supporter of international accountability efforts in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
During her visit, Minister Hubig met with Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register, and members of its Secretariat, to discuss the Register’s mandate, ongoing activities, and future developments – including RD4U’s key role as the first component in a broader international compensation mechanism for Ukraine under the auspices of the Council of Europe. The agenda included the upcoming launch of new claims categories, notably those for individuals displaced outside Ukraine.
According to the UNHCR, since February 2022, as many as six million people have been displaced outside Ukraine, with Germany currently hosting more than one million Ukrainians – one of the largest host populations among European countries.
The Register provided an update on its work on claims for involuntary displacement outside Ukraine. The category, which is expected to open in the coming weeks, will be open to eligible persons displaced abroad, irrespective of nationality or current country of residence, including those who have since returned to Ukraine.
On the occasion of her visit, Minister Hubig emphasised the importance of accountability, stating that "the people of Ukraine suffer tremendously from Russia's war of aggression. Russia must be held to account for the damages suffered. The Register of Damage is doing crucial work in order to ensure that the damages suffered are recorded. This is an important first step on the way to compensation. Germany is strongly committed to continue its support for Ukraine and the work of the Register. I was personally deeply impressed by what the Register has already achieved."
Echoing this, Mr Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register, underscored the significance of Germany’s engagement: “Germany’s long-standing support and active participation are crucial to ensuring that the harm suffered by victims is formally recognised. With the launch of Category A1.2, the Register will be able to offer displaced persons outside of Ukraine a clear and accessible pathway through which their experiences are recognised, and claims can be submitted, laying essential groundwork for future compensation,” said Mr Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register.
Further information on eligibility criteria and the claims submission process is available through the Register’s website.
