Director of Danish Institute for Human Rights: We must win the war against Russia with a bulwark of strong institutions

Translated from original op-ed brought in Altinget.dk(Danish)

It is now more than two years since Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine and brought war back to the European continent. To many, it is now clear that the war is about far more than what is happening on the battlegrounds in Ukraine.

The European project, our view of society, way of living, and rights are being challenged by Vladimir Putin, who is waging war on many levels. Thus, it makes sense that we not only support Ukraine and our other neighbouring countries along Europe's eastern border with military hardware but likewise strengthen their defence against authoritarian forces and Russian influence.

EU negotiations in the East

Over the past decade, Danish development aid in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia has strengthened civil society – those who have raised their voices, claimed their rights, and pointed to challenges.

It has been sensible and benefited many people. However, if we are to create an effective bulwark against Russian influence and anti-authoritarian forces, we must also support the public institutions that are supposed to guarantee citizens' rights and which are most often the victims of influence campaigns.

With applications to join the EU, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia have agreed to guarantee fundamental rights, the rule of law, and strong public institutions.

With Denmark and the EU's decision in December to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, and to grant Georgia candidate status, it makes sense that we assist them in this development.

Despite the war, progress is being made in Ukraine, which has taken the first steps to reform the judicial system and strengthen human rights. The same applies to Moldova, where judicial reforms have strengthened the independence and efficiency of the judiciary. Both Ukraine and Moldova have improved their ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, but with a ranking of 104 and 76 respectively, there is still a long way to go to reach Denmark in first place, just as these countries are still far from meeting the criteria for becoming members of the EU.

Danish anti-corruption and strong institutions

The challenges facing our eastern neighbours range from the rule of law and governance to equality and the protection of minorities.

At the same time, we see that, despite progress in Moldova, oligarchs supported by Russia still manage to buy their way into the political system and influence the country's elections. Similar stories preceded Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Meanwhile, Georgia is struggling with both authoritarian tendencies and Russian influence.

The challenges all point to a lack of capacity on the part of states and their institutions, which have a duty to protect and promote human rights, as well as their responsibility to look after minorities and vulnerable groups.

Here, Danish development assistance, knowledge, and skills can strengthen our neighbours along Europe's eastern border.

As one of the leading countries in the fight against corruption and the fight for strong institutions that look after people's human rights, we have a duty to support the relevant authorities in implementing the recommendations made by the European Commission in connection with accession to the European Union.

This does not mean forgetting civil society, but by strengthening public institutions, we also counteract polarisation and ensure better access to the political system as well as the justice system.

Central to this development are the sister organisations of the Danish Institute for Human Rights. As independent governmental organisations that monitor and promote human rights in interaction with other actors such as parliaments and civil society, they play an important role.

In every way, it makes sense that we should also address the war that has come to the European continent with development aid. This must not be at the expense of rights work elsewhere in the world. However, the battle against authoritarianism, terrorism, and radicalisation must be won, including in Europe.