Crimes against Ukrainian civilians in occupied territory: Applying international law in domestic trials

ODIHR is holding a seminar in Lviv to support Ukrainian judges, prosecutors and defence counsel in applying international law in domestic trials concerning crimes against civilians in occupied Ukrainian territory.

Organized in co-operation with Ukraine’s Supreme Court, the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid Provision, the seminar will examine how specific acts may be classified as war crimes or crimes against humanity, how individual responsibility is established and what safeguards are needed to ensure a fair trial.

Participants will draw on international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international human rights law. Ukrainian practitioners will exchange experiences with international experts and judges, including a judge of the European Court of Human Rights.

The seminar and subsequent meetings with partners in Kyiv are made possible by support from ODIHR’s Ukraine Project. All contribute to ODIHR’s ongoing efforts to support accountability for violations of international law in Ukraine, strengthen the rule of law and safeguard fair trial rights.

Participants will examine:

• The legal classification of acts against civilians in occupied territory, including deprivation of liberty, ill-treatment, forced military service, persecution and enslavement;
• The elements of war crimes and crimes against humanity;
• Command and superior responsibility and other forms of individual criminal responsibility;
• Fair trial safeguards, including issues arising when witnesses or victims are absent and when defendants are tried in absentia;
• The assessment of evidence and courtroom advocacy in international crimes cases.

Interactive discussions and case simulations allow judges, prosecutors and defence counsel to practise applying the law, presenting arguments and addressing procedural questions they may encounter in domestic proceedings. 

Participation is by invitation only.

For further information, please contact Christopher D. Russell, ODIHR Rule of Law Officer, at christopher.russell@odihr.pl.