In 1914 as a new war was beginning, L.L. Zamenhof wrote: Remember well that the only way to attain a lasting peace is ending once and for all the main cause of war: the rule of  one nation over other nations . (Post la Granda Milito, PVZ Originalaro III, 2692).

In this same spirit and in keeping with our dedication to freedom and human rights, TEJO condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. TEJO strives for solidarity and mutual respect between the peoples. We plead for a world in which all people everywhere do not suffer from war and its effects, which divide humanity. The military action of the Russian Federation is contrary to our ideals of democracy, world peace, and mutual understanding; furthermore, it is a dangerous violation of fundamental human rights. For these reasons we cannot remain silent.

TEJO expresses its solidarity with all victims of war: with the dead and the wounded and with all who have fled their homes for safety’s sake. We send our support to all of our members, activists, partners, and fellow Esperantists in Ukraine. At the same time, we recognize the suffering of those in Russia, who have been brought into a war against their will. We stand in solidarity with those courageous Russians who risk imprisonment by their protest. As speakers of a language of peace, we salute these peacemakers. We ask Esperanto speakers throughout the world and especially in Ukraine and Russia to engage in dialogue as brothers and sisters in a spirit of mutual understanding. We hope that this will nurture peaceful relations between people despite the condemnable action of the Russian Federation.

TEJO calls for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world, so that people might live without fear of violence, death, or suppression. We appeal for the immediate withdrawal of the Russian armed forces from Ukraine and for the respect of human rights. We call for all international bodies to utilize diplomacy to end conflicts, provide life-saving help to victims, and create a stable world peace. This must be founded on the respect of the human rights of all, including the linguistic rights of minorities. We appeal to all Esperantists throughout the world: support human rights, peace, and mutual understanding.

World Esperanto Youth Organisation (TEJO)

27 February 2022

To support Esperantists who have been affected by the war, you can give to UEA’s Konto Espero. Presently TEJO is actively participating in a working group of the European Youth Forum. This working group aims to bring together information from Ukraine and its EU neighbors to effectively provide the necessary resources. If you would like to contribute to TEJO’s work, contact its office or its Commission for External Relations.