ISPSO Statement on the war in Ukraine

The recent Russian military invasion of Ukraine disturbs the life, liberty, physical, and psychological well-being of people in Ukraine and offends peace-loving people everywhere. The ongoing violence raises concerns over human dignity, safety, security all over Europe and its echoes reverberate in all countries.

The International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations (ISPSO) stands for promoting psychoanalytic insights for deeper understanding of motives and actions to improve the quality of life and work worldwide. Peace, harmony, and security of well-being for human endeavours include human rights and the psychological and physical health and well-being of all people which are now at stake.

The International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organisations deplores violence, xenophobia and discrimination, and stands in solidarity with its members, the Ukrainian people, other countries’ nationals trying to leave the warzone to return home through neighbouring countries, and all colleagues affected by the immediate and long-term trauma and psychological impacts on people of all ages, families, communities, and the environment.

We are concerned about the human cost of such aggression, including violations of human rights, adverse humanitarian consequences, deep psychological distress, and the loss of dignity and freedom. We stand in support of all who are raising their voices and working tirelessly to protect and safeguard human life and those advancing psycho-analytic insights to benefit society’s current and future generations to prevent the collapse of international order and civilised discourse to settle differences through dialogue.

We share our deeply felt sympathy, solidarity, friendship, and concern with all affected ISPSO members, their families, friends, and fellow citizens and all other human beings affected by this war.

We hope that the situation will not become worse and good sense will prevail to change these dire circumstances for the better as soon as possible. We hope that peace of mind, land, and soul will return to replace the horrific violence that is presently being witnessed.

The Board of ISPSO
5th of March 2022