IOI | IOI President provides an address at a special event in honour of Ukraine, “Mariupol (Un)lost hope”, held in Rome, Italy

On the evening of Wednesday 20 September 2023, IOI President Chris Field PSM was humbled to be able to welcome guests to a special evening in honour of Ukraine, and particularly for the city of Mariupol. President Field was joined by a number of distinguished speakers and guests.

The brutal and unlawful invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has been devastating, and there can be no clearer example of the Russian Federation’s egregious attack, than the invasion and occupation of the city of Mariupol.

“What has occurred in Mariupol has created a humanitarian crisis and constitute war crimes. Having seen first-hand the utter devastation of this illegal and immoral war when I visited Kyiv in December last year, I express my profound sorrow for the ongoing tragic loss of life in the Ukraine” said President Field.

“Every Ukrainian is aware that they are not just fighting for their own freedom and sovereignty; but that this war represents a battle for which we must all choose a side: the supremacy of democracy over dictatorship; of peace over fear; of freedom over servitude. And in this battle, the IOI must stand strongly and act decisively. Extraordinarily brave Ukrainians fight for their country, but they fight for all of us. And in this fight, they will never back down, and nor shall we” said President Field.

Source: The Office of the President of the IOI and Western Australian Ombudsman