A delegation of 25 Ukrainian legal professionals recently travelled to The Hague to participate in training sessions to expand their knowledge and skills in the field of international criminal justice. Judges and prosecutors from district and regional courts, justices of the Supreme Court, officials of the Office of the Prosecutor General, defence lawyers and representatives of civil society organisations were among the delegation's participants.
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented: 'The study visit was critical in strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian colleagues to handle international crimes proceedings at the national level, in Ukraine. It is necessary that justice is not only seen to be done in Ukraine but is actually done and conducted correctly. I applaud the participants' commitment towards justice and accountability efforts in Ukraine and justice for all.'
The 11-14 June 2024 visit was organised by the International Bar Association (IBA) in partnership with the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) as part of a project titled 'Trial Monitoring in War Crimes Cases'. The UBA's visit was made possible by a grant agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Human Rights in Action Program, implemented by the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union (UHHRU). The project examines the respect of fair trial rights against international standards, with the aim of outlining best judicial practice and offering recommendations to address any shortfalls.
The IBA's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) Director Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC said: 'An extraordinary volume of war crimes cases has been brought before the Ukrainian national criminal justice system since the Russian aggression and the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. In order to achieve justice and accountability and to make sure that fair trial standards are being followed, monitoring war crime trials is an essential step. Because of this, the IBAHRI has been working in collaboration with the IBA and the UBA on monitoring war crime trials in Ukraine; it is really crucial work.'
UBA Executive Director Viktoriia Krasnova said, 'The visit to The Hague has been an invaluable experience for Ukrainian legal practitioners. Building capacities in international criminal justice is crucial for Ukraine as we navigate the complexities of war crimes and ensure justice for victims. The knowledge and skills gained from this study visit will significantly enhance legal practitioners' ability to handle these cases with the rigor and fairness they demand. We extend our sincere gratitude to the International Bar Association and the IBA's Human Rights Institute for their unwavering support and dedication to justice and accountability in Ukraine.'
Over the course of the visit, participants visited Hague-based international tribunals and institutions, including the International Criminal Court, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation
