The Executive Committee of the MCSA issues the following statement to the UIAA and to National Mountaineering Federations concerning events in Ukraine.
In keeping with the objectives and values of the MCSA, our members, and community, and in solidarity with the Ukrainian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation and international sporting community, the MCSA will send letters to the UIAA concerning the war in Ukraine.
Although the MCSA is an apolitical organisation, and while recognising sport and politics are separate spheres of life, they are both part of the integral day to day lives of mountaineers and indeed all citizens, a position which has been acutely experienced in our South African History. We also appreciate that not all Russian mountaineers will support the war against their sisters and brothers in the Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an act that is a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and basics Human Rights.
Consequently, the MCSA, in solidarity with other sports federations across the world, condemn the actions of Russia in invading Ukraine and the support granted to Russia by Belarus.
In addition, the MCSA strongly believes that South Africa, with its strong Human Rights ethos, cannot sit by and watch this atrocity unfold without doing all that we can to support the international efforts to secure a rapid and peaceful withdrawal of Russian troops and a return to peace.
Accordingly, we call the South African Government and all National Sport Federations to adopt the statement issued by the IOC on 24 February 2022, the sentiments of the UN General Assembly resolution of 2 March 2022 and also to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to demand that Russia stop its offensive and immediately withdraw all troops.
Paul Carstensen
MCSA President
