Oleksandra Matviichuk's Powerful Speech at the Munk School

Oleksandra Matviichuk's goals are not just ambitious; she says they are essential. In June, Matviichuk, who heads the Center for Civil Liberties, which was a  co-recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize,brought her powerful message to a packed audience of students, faculty, and community members at Innis College, University of Toronto. In her emotional and powerful speech, Matviichuk inspired the audience in support of her mission to document and prosecute war crimes committed against Ukrainians.

In her riveting address, which was co-sponsored by the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES), the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Matviichuk shared her thoughts on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the universal value of human rights, and the importance of storytelling as a tool for social justice. The speech was a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the pressing need for global accountability.

As CEES director, Professor Ed Schatz, noted, the opportunity to hear from Matviichuk in person was an unforgettable experience for the students. “It’s exciting, first of all, for students to be exposed to some of the most influential figures of our time. Second, while her story is something you can read about, there’s something fundamentally different about hearing it in person and asking questions of a figure of that prominence. It’s something students will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Matviichuk’s speech came almost two and a half years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a period marked by widespread devastation, loss, and resilience. She emphasized that while the war may not dominate headlines as it once did, the stakes remain incredibly high for Ukraine and the world. “We have to emphasize that whether you win the war or lose the war, if you start a war, you will be punished,” she stated firmly, driving home the message that impunity for acts of aggression is not an option if the world is to maintain any semblance of justice.

One of the most impactful moments in Matviichuk’s speech was when she reflected on the broader historical context of conflict and human rights violations. “When you know world history, it is very difficult to idealize,” she remarked. Her deep understanding of historical cycles of violence informed her call for decisive action to be taken when rights are violated. “But they’ve pushed humankind to make decisive lessons learned,” she added, referencing the Nuremberg trials and suggesting that while history is fraught with conflict, it also presents an opportunity to forge a more just and equitable future.

Matviichuk’s role as a storyteller was central to her message, as she told the audience, through an introductory video and her speech, the testimonies of children impacted by the war. She stressed the power of narratives in bridging divides and fostering understanding. “I don’t try to convince anyone; I just tell stories. You can bridge the hearts and minds through stories,” she said. This approach reflects her broader philosophy of human rights advocacy—one that centers on personal experiences and individual lives to make the case for justice and accountability. Her words resonated deeply with the students in the audience, many of whom are preparing for careers in international affairs and human rights.

Schatz highlighted the unique significance of Matviichuk’s visit at this particular moment in time. “Matviichuk came two years after the full-scale invasion. There is a risk for Poland and the Baltics that people will lose sight of the conflict amongst other world conflicts. Her visit gave us an opportunity to remind ourselves what’s at stake,” he explained.

At the core of Matviichuk’s message was the idea that Ukraine’s struggle is not just a story of war and devastation, but also one of resilience and hope. “The story of Ukraine is a life-affirming story,” she declared, offering a narrative that counters the often bleak portrayal of the conflict. For her, Ukraine’s fight for survival is also a fight for the universal principles of freedom, dignity, and human rights.

At the conclusion of her speech, Minister Chrystia Freeland, who was in the audience, thanked Matviichuk for her continuing advocacy and for her powerful call to action for students, faculty, and the global community. As Schatz aptly put it, “Matviichuk breathed life into the moral considerations we know are at play.” For the students in attendance, it was an experience that will stay with them as they navigate their own paths in international affairs.

In a world fraught with conflict and injustice, Matviichuk’s message was clear: the fight for human rights is far from over, and it is up to each generation to carry it forward.