Does Ukraine need the Specialisation of Judges in International Crimes?
November 20, 2024
The international crimes committed by the Russian Armed Forces and their allies must not go unpunished. Ukraine is the first country in the world to begin prosecuting such crimes while the war is still ongoing. This means Ukraine is fighting on two fronts: on the battlefield and in the courtroom. These efforts demand different resources, approaches, and support.
Last week, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, in collaboration with the Council of Europe and the Supreme Court of Ukraine, organised a roundtable in Kyiv to address the specialisation of judges in international crimes. The discussion was particularly relevant, reflecting ongoing debates within Ukraine’s legal community regarding draft law No.10301, registered last November. This draft law proposes establishing judicial specialisation within general jurisdiction courts for cases involving military criminal offenses, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and violations of international law.
This event, aimed at enhancing judges’ capacity to adjudicate international crimes effectively, brought together representatives from national authorities, the judiciary, judicial institutions of Ukraine, international organisations, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and leading international experts in criminal justice reform.
Key topics included the introduction of judicial specialisation for international crime cases, the sharing of best practices from international experts, and fostering collaboration between national and international bodies to support the judiciary.
The exchange of views and insights between participants is expected to advance knowledge and guide decision-making to determine the most suitable and feasible model for Ukraine’s judiciary. EUAM Ukraine emphasised the importance of judicial specialisation to ensure both quality and efficiency in handling cases.
The fight against impunity is a crucial battle for Ukraine, alongside its other struggles. EUAM Ukraine remains committed to acting as a bridge between international and national legal communities to strengthen, support, and enhance Ukraine’s judiciary. These efforts contribute to international peace and justice by advancing the field of international criminal law.
