*Inspirational music plays*
We are here today because of our shared beliefs...
our belief in justice...
our belief that crimes cannot go unpunished.
It is crystal clear that there can be no lasting peace...
without justice.
*Inspirational music continues*
We must ensure comprehensive accountability...
even while the aggression is still ongoing.
Mother of all the crimes,
the crime of aggression...
will not go unpunished.
*♫♫*
Weapons give physical protection,
but it is justice that restores the sense of security to life.
I think the Dialogue Group, that I will come to in a moment,
really was an innovative solution.
From almost the very beginning of the full-scale invasion,
one of the most challenging issues was coordination.
The Dialogue Group has a potential to become a solution here too.
Defeating Russia in the courtrooms and on the battlefield...
is the only way to deliver a just and lasting peace.
I am happy to announce today...
that the Netherlands stands ready...
to host the future compensation mechanism here in The Hague.
Your solidarity with the people of Ukraine is a beacon of hope...
in our nation's darkest times.
Let us move forward with determination...
courage...
and shared commitment...
to create a world where impunity for international crimes...
are relics of the past.
The Register of Damage for Ukraine is vital to achieve that.
With great pride and an equally great weight of responsibility...
I announce that the Register of Damage for Ukraine...
is now open for submission of claims.
Already more than 100 claims have been filed.
And the numbers are rising by the hour.
The road to accountability is a long one.
We have to walk it together.
Only then we can achieve justice...
and eradicate impunity.
*Applause*
*Applause fades*