Trial monitoring as a vital instrument for advancing justice reform and accountability discussed at ODIHR event

Monitoring trials is an effective means to safeguard fair trial rights, strengthen accountability and build public confidence in the judiciary, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) underlined at a side event of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference today.

The event presented ODIHR’s trial monitoring methodology and showcased some of its recent initiatives, alongside contributions from civil society organizations and OSCE field operations. Speakers discussed how trial monitoring can reveal both the strengths and areas for improvement within criminal justice systems.

“Trial monitoring by impartial observers is an excellent tool to ensure the transparency of the process and protect the right to a fair trial,” said Oksana Rasulova, Coordinator of trial monitoring activities, Media Initiative for Human Rights in Ukraine.

“In Ukraine, we seek not only to see the real picture through monitoring the courts, but also to understand whether it is possible to satisfy the request for justice and what mechanisms can be used for this. The uses of trial monitoring therefore go far beyond individual cases, helping to support wider justice system reform and strengthen the rule of law.”  

Participants also explored the value of monitoring war crime trials, highlighting how trial observation can promote accountability, uphold the rule of law and ensure respect for fair trial rights even during conflict. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of civil society in these efforts, particularly in documenting and monitoring war crime cases to promote transparency.