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Ukraine’s war crimes trials and their contribution to international justice in focus at ODIHR event
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Fields of work:
- Democratization, Rule of law
Legal experts examined how war crimes trials in Ukraine can contribute to advance international justice, both within the country and beyond, at a side event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) during the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.
National courts play a central role in adjudicating war crimes cases. Their application of international law to procedural and substantive issues can shape approaches to similar cases beyond Ukraine, as well as broader international criminal justice policies.
The discussion explored how crimes are documented and legally classified, and how domestic prosecutions may complement international proceedings. Participants also considered the role of defence lawyers in safeguarding fair trial rights.
Upholding fair trial rights during wartime is demanding, but it is essential to the credibility of our judgments and to public confidence in justice,” said Judge Natalia Marchuk of Ukraine’s Supreme Court.
The event was held as part of ODIHR’s project “Supporting the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine in Times of Crisis”. In partnership with Ukraine’s Supreme Court, ODIHR has developed a benchbook to help judges apply international law and fair trial standards when adjudicating cases involving international crimes.
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