‘Our world has become very complex and interconnected. Right now, people in Iran are fighting for their freedom. People in China are resisting the digital dictatorship. People in Somalia are bringing child soldiers back to peaceful life. They know better than anyone what it means to be human and stand up for human dignity. Our future depends on their success. We are responsible for everything that happens in the world.’

These words were spoken by Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk on 10 December 2022 on the occasion of her Nobel Peace Prize lecture entitled Time to take responsibility. The award was presented to her human rights organisation, the Center for Civil Liberties, which has been documenting Russian war crimes on Ukrainian ground. As a long-time supporter of the politically persecuted, Matviichuk asks how human rights might regain their significance and global solidarity become our passion. 

Oleksandra Matviitchuk’s Speech to Europe takes up the lecture series on Judenplatz initiated by the ERSTE Foundation on the occasion of Europe Day.

Admission is free! Livestream via festwochen.at