The Application of International Law and Practices of Defence Counsel in Domestic War Crimes Cases in Ukraine
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About
This webinar series - held in three separate parts on 4, 11 and 18 September 2024 - is designed to strengthen Ukrainian defence lawyers’ knowledge of applicable bodies of international law, fair trial rights, and relevant national and international defence counsel practices within domestic war crimes trials.
“The Application of International Law and Practices of Defence Counsel in Domestic War Crimes Cases in Ukraine” series aims to support Ukraine’s public defenders and defence counsel by enhancing their ability to:
1) Apply, distinguish, and recognize international law principles and topics in domestic war crimes trials;
2) Understand practices and the role of a defence counsel in the system of international criminal justice; and
3) Learn from the defences and practices applied in international courts and tribunals via the shared experiences of counsel from OSCE participating States.
The webinar series extends from ODIHR’s mandate to support OSCE participating States in meeting their rule of law commitments, such as holding individuals personally accountable for war crimes and acts in violation of international humanitarian law (Stockholm, 1992). Access to justice—including the right to an adequate defence—is a key element of the rule of law. ODIHR’s efforts to support defence counsel in Ukraine is grounded in the recognition that “defence lawyers play a critical role in ensuring the right to a fair trial and in the furtherance and protection of other human rights in the criminal justice system” (Ljubljana 2005, OSCE Ministerial Council Decision No. 12/05).
Attendance
Attendance at this meeting is by invitation only. If you're interested in participating, please contact Christopher D. Russell, ODIHR Rule of Law Officer, at christopher.russell@odihr.pl for further information.