The Third Parliamentary summit of the International Crimea Platform in Riga on 24 October will bring together delegations from approximately 40 countries around the world. We invite media representatives to apply for accreditation by 14 October by completing the application form available at: https://crimea-platform-riga.lv/media-acc-form/.

The summit is organised by the Saeima, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Parliament, to raise awareness and garner support from the international community for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The summit aims to underscore the global impact of Russia’s aggression and to continue highlighting, on an international scale, the crimes committed by the aggressor.

So far, the participation in the Summit has been confirmed by parliamentary delegations from Albania, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Delegations from the Parliamentary Assemblies of international organisations – the European Parliament, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and NATO – are also expected to participate in the Summit.

Alongside the Summit, other events and expert discussions in support of Ukraine will take place.

Media agenda:

October 23

11:00 – 12:30 Expert discussion “Deportation of the Crimean Tatar People in 1944: from Recognition of Genocide to the Restoration of Crimean Tatar Rights within the Ukrainian State”
The discussion participants will focus on the international recognition of deportations as genocide, including the potential involvement of countries within the International Crimea Platform in this process. The event is organised by the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Latviešu strēlnieku laukums 1, Riga

17:30 – 20:30 Documentary “The True History of Crimea”
Screening of the film and discussion with the authors.

Hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.
House of the Blackheads, Rātslaukums 7, Riga

October 24

These events are to be held at Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel, Elizabetes iela 55, Riga.

8:00 – 8:50 Welcome and official greeting of participants
Welcome by the Speaker of the Saeima and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

9:00 – 10:00 Opening of the Summit
Addresses by Latvian and Ukrainian officials

11:00 – 11:30 Group photo of the Heads of Delegations

12:00 – 12:30 Plenary session

14:00 – 14:30 Press conference
Given by the Speaker of the Saeima and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

15:00 – 18:00 Expert discussion on Russia’s accountability and the impact of the war on European security

Experts will discuss how to deliver justice to the victims of international crimes to ensure lasting peace. The discussion will also address the development of a national resilience strategy, as well as Ukraine’s insights and opportunities for partner countries to adapt the lessons learned. The discussion is organised by the Crimean Human Rights Group, Latvian Institute of International Affairs, and Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation.

On October 24, the Summit will be broadcast live on the Summit website and the Saeima YouTube channel.

The hosting of the International Crimea Platform Parliamentary Summit in Riga is part of Latvia’s comprehensive support to Ukraine and contribution to strengthening the rules-based international order. The summit is organised in close cooperation with the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.

The International Crimea Platform was established in 2021 as a format for coordination and consultation at the level of states and governments, parliaments, foreign ministers, and experts. It was established to raise awareness among world leaders and the wider public of the temporary occupation and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, its negative impact on the human rights of local populations, security in the Black Sea region, global food security, and the rules-based global order.

Previously, parliamentary summits of the Crimea Platform have taken place in Zagreb and Prague, bringing together parliamentarians from various countries and international parliamentary organisations.

More practical information for the media:

https://crimea-platform-riga.lv/wp-content/uploads/media_advisory_EN.pdf

Website of the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform: https://crimea-platform-riga.lv/

Saeima Press Service