Nobel Peace Prize Winner Calls Ukraine's 'Never Again' Pledge More Than Abstract Slogan

Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk, winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, emphasized that for Ukrainians, the phrase "Never Again" carries concrete meaning beyond commemorative rhetoric. Speaking ahead of World War II remembrance events, Matviichuk said Ukrainians understand the pledge as a commitment to actively fight against evil even when it exceeds their capabilities. She specifically referenced opposition to concentration camps, filtration camps, mass graves, and the violent destruction of entire nations. Matviichuk was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 alongside Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski and the Russian human rights organization Memorial for their work documenting human rights violations in their respective countries. Her comments come as Ukraine continues to resist Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022, with Ukrainian officials and international observers documenting alleged war crimes including forced deportations, torture, and targeting of civilian infrastructure.