Today marks the launch of the “Lawyers4Ukraine” initiative, inviting the legal community of Lithuania and other countries to unite in a joint effort to support Ukraine and its people affected by Russia’s aggression. The initiative encompasses a wide range of activities, including legal assistance, fundraising for children and teenagers affected by the aggression against Ukraine, supporting Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations, and other essential support for Ukraine that may be needed.

The initiative already unites Lithuania's main legal guilds: the Bar Association, the Judicial Council, the Prosecutor General’s Office, judicial officers, notaries, corporate lawyers, academic lawyers, and legal organizations, as well as lawyers abroad.

In the face of war, those most vulnerable are those who cannot defend themselves ­– children. Every day, children in Ukraine suffer severe injuries, burns, and lose the opportunity for a full life due to Russia’s attacks on civilians. Therefore, the first activity of the “Lawyers for Ukraine” initiative is to raise funds for the medical needs of Ukrainian children affected by military actions and burn injuries from Russian attacks on civilians, such as residential bombings. Immediate help is currently needed for an 11-year-old girl and her 4-year-old brother from Chernihiv, who suffered severe burns and other injuries and urgently require treatment and rehabilitation.

“We deeply empathize with the pain and losses of our friends, colleagues, and the entire Ukrainian nation. Our university community warmly welcomed the first wave of war refugees; however, sadly, the war of aggression continues. Yet, we have no right to tire of supporting our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. I believe this initiative by the legal community will contribute to Ukraine's victory, to the victory of justice in Europe and the world,” says Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, Rector of Mykolas Romeris University, who has been cooperating with Ukrainian universities for over 12 years.

We have the opportunity and moral obligation to help the children of Ukraine. Our support can restore health, confidence, and hope. We invite the Lithuanian legal community and all compassionate individuals to join this Initiative.

Mindaugas Kukaitis, the Chairman of the Lithuanian Bar Council, participating in the Initiative, says: “We, as lawyers, especially understand the cost of law, justice, independence, freedom, and life. We have big hearts when it comes to protecting human rights and preserving life. We can and must help those who are wronged, attacked, and injured, especially children. We are not indifferent, and we are ready to help our suffering Ukrainian brothers and sisters. We can and should support this heartfelt idea by contributing financially to provide a future for the injured Ukrainian children, for Ukraine.”

“Today, everyone is helping Ukraine in their own way. The idea to unite the legal community for a common purpose arose because together, we can always do more. It is essential to remind ourselves and the legal communities in Europe and elsewhere in the world that Ukraine still needs and will continue to need support in vital areas, whether humanitarian, legal, infrastructural, or other,” says Lyra Jakulevičienė, the Dean of the MRU Law School and organizer of the initiative.

The funds raised during the initiative will be directly allocated to cover medical and rehabilitation expenses for identified Ukrainian children. To ensure transparency, an independent audit will be conducted, and regular public reports on the collection and use of funds will be provided. Donations will be accepted until 30 November. A support event is planned for 7 November in Vilnius.

Let’s help the children of Ukraine!

You can contribute to this support initiative by donating to the Mykolas Romeris University charity account: Mykolas Romeris University, LT06 7300 0101 6365 9997, “Swedbank” AB, SWIFT/BIC: HABALT22. Please specify “For Ukrainian Children” in the payment purpose.

 

More information: https://lawyers4ukraine.mruni.eu; tm@mruni.eu

Organizer of the initiative: Mykolas Romeris University