OSCE helps to enhance standards of judicial ethics in Ukraine

A Commentary on the Code of Judicial Ethics, developed with the support of the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU), was approved by the Council of Judges of Ukraine on 2 March 2026 and presented at the 20^th Congress of Judges, held in Kyiv on 10-12 March 2026. The document was elaborated by a working group of judges and legal experts with organizational assistance and expert contributions provided by the SPU. The Commentary provides detailed clarification of the new version of the Code, enacted in 2024, with practical examples, references to international best practices and recommendations on “dos and don’ts” for judges in their professional and private life. 

“Elaboration of the Commentary is an important step to ensure a common understanding of the provisions of the Code and its proper practical application in the daily life of a judge. Its purpose is to help judges better navigate the standards of professional ethics and, through this, help raise public trust in the judiciary. We are grateful to the OSCE for the technical and expert support provided in preparing this document,” said Iehor Krasnov, judge of the Supreme Court, Head of the Working Group of Commentary elaborators, and Head of the Committee on Ethics, Prevention of Corruption and Settlement of Conflicts of Interest of the Council of Judges of Ukraine. 

“Success of judicial reforms depends heavily on whether they win genuine trust of people in the judiciary. Every member of judicial corps bears a huge responsibility to maintain this trust. We hope that this guidance will be a handy instrument for judges when facing situations of doubt and ethical choices in professional and private life,” said Ambassador Petr Mares, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office – Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. 

From explanations of the essence of judicial integrity and examples of practices that may undermine or ruin the image of independence and impartiality of justice, to highlighting the importance of polite and respectful treatment of participants in court proceedings, the materials provide useful guidance for current and future members of the justice sector.  The Commentary also offers a comprehensive set of advice recommendations regarding external communications and non-professional life, including personal use of social media and participation in civil society initiatives.