Kyiv, 27 August 2024 — The fifth judicial forum — which brought together representatives of the judicial and legal community, international and civil society organizations — concluded in Kyiv to discuss current challenges in the administration of justice under martial law in Ukraine and to identify ways to address them. The forum was held with full assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, and with financial support from the Government of Denmark. 

Due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the judicial system, despite its resilience and preserved efficiency, has faced new challenges. These challenges stem from the physical loss of buildings destroyed by shelling and the need to relocate courts of various instance to safer regions. The war has also exacerbated existing problems, particularly in the fields of cyber security, digitalization of justice, and personnel shortages. However, this situation simultaneously created opportunities for reforming the system with support from both the state and the international community. 

Thus, the forum became a platform for consolidating the efforts of stakeholders and discussing possibilities for implementing transitional justice to ensure access to justice for all. Judges from different regions of Ukraine had a unique opportunity to discuss current issues of justice and the organization of court work, and to exchange professional experiences. 

Particular attention was given to the role of the judiciary in ensuring justice for those affected by the war, particularly in matters of compensation for damages, restoration of violated rights, and bringing the guilty to justice. Legal aspects of forcible confiscation of property for defence purposes and accountability for war crimes against property were also considered. 

Representatives of the judicial system discussed the challenges and opportunities related to ensuring the physical security of participants in court proceedings and court employees, as well as the experience of using electronic justice tools during the war. 

Jens Alsbirk, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine, stated that Denmark welcomes this important discussion on judicial reforms, transitional justice and access to justice for all. “Stability and reliability of the judicial system is a prerequisite for the existence of a democratic European state”, Mr Alsbirk emphasized. “Denmark is committed to supporting these initiatives and will continue to do so.” 

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that equal and unimpeded access to justice is fundamental for the participation in democratic processes of those who face inequality and isolation. “The war has only intensified this need, which is why we organize forums like this to build and strengthen confidence in a judicial system capable of guaranteeing impartiality, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights, even in the most challenging times.” 

The participants also discussed the protection of citizens’ and veterans’ rights, particularly in the context of their social security and support for the families of deceased veterans. The ideas expressed at the forum will form the basis of further programme activities by UNDP, and the final document will be of use to international organizations working to improve access to justice and strengthen the judicial system. 

The guests invited to the forum included the Head of the Supreme Court, Stanislav Kravchenko, the Head of the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine, Maksym Pampura, and Supreme Council of Justice member, Roman Maselko. 

Media enquiries 

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org