We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from
fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched a special military operation in the territories recognized by the Russian Federation on February 21, 2022 of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic, as well as on the territory of the sovereign state of Ukraine. According to the UN (as of March 15, 2022), 691 civilians (including citizens of the Russian Federation and other countries) died, 3 million people were forced to leave their homeland on pain of death, cities and infrastructure of Ukraine were destroyed, 90% of the population of Ukraine may be poverty.
At the same time, Russian citizens are detained on the streets of Russian cities for expressing their disagreement with this operation. On March 4, a law on criminal liability for fakes about the Russian army was adopted, which introduces military censorship on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The economic sanctions imposed on Russia, designed to stop the military operation, will set the country many years back in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which primarily reflect the quality of life of people. Moreover, the special military operation has jeopardized global food security, which is built on the supply of agricultural products from Ukraine, which creates new barriers to achieving SDGs 1 and 2.
The Civil Society Coalition for the Sustainable Development of Russia (CSDR), which adheres to the principles of the 2030 Agenda, is concerned about the course and consequences of the special military operation, the restriction of the freedoms of citizens of the country. Obviously, everything that is happening is contrary to the very essence of the 2030 Agenda, since it “seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom.”
The Russian Federation previously supported and assumed obligations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, we call on state representatives to follow its principles, be consistent in their statements and actions, and continue working together as soon as possible to achieve sustainable development in our country and in everywhere in the world.