Training for Ukrainian Defence and Victims' Counsel

Between May and June 2024, the T.M.C. Asser Institute, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Bar Association, co-organised four online training sessions for Defence and Victim’s counsel, as part of the MATRA-Ukraine project in partnership with Global Rights Compliance. The sessions followed an in-person kick off session for defence counsel which was held in Kyiv in March 2024, in which the ethics of defence, rights and defence strategy and application of international law in conflict-related cases were discussed with international experts.

Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of Ukrainian defence and victims’ counsel in conflict-related crime cases is paramount to ensure fairness, the equality of arms and meaningful participation. The sessions were designed to equip legal professionals with the skills needed to navigate these complex cases, delving into the application of international law in Ukraine, defence strategy and argument, victim participation, and working with vulnerable victims and witnesses.

The four sessions, led by expert speakers with international and national practice are now available as an online course on the Ukrainian Bar Association’s educational learning platform as follows:

1. How can international law be applied in Ukraine (Valérie Gabard and David Kinnecome, UpRights)
2. Building a defence strategy and argument in conflict-related cases (Annelot Jumelet, KLS Strafrechtadvocaten, Dutch defence lawyer in international crimes cases)
3. Victim participation in conflict-related cases (Megan Hirst, Doughty Street Chambers, victims’ counsel at the International Criminal Court)
4. Vulnerable victims and witnesses in conflict-related cases (Ewelina Ochab, International Bar Association and Ruby Axelson, Global Rights Compliance)

To follow the course in Ukrainian and assessment to receive a certificate of completion, please see here.