Ukrainian Delegation Study Visit to The Hague

The Asser Institute and Global Rights Compliance recently concluded an intensive five-day study visit in The Hague, welcoming a distinguished delegation of Ukrainian judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement professionals, as part of the MATRA-Ukraine project.

A Comprehensive and Immersive Programme 

From 18 to 22 November, participants engaged in a dynamic programme tailored to enhance their expertise and operational effectiveness in addressing international crimes domestically in Ukraine. 

Over the course of the week, the delegation engaged with a broad spectrum of esteemed experts and institutions. Among the key activities was an exchange meeting on conflict-related crimes against children, moderated by Ruby Axelson (Global Rights Compliance). This session featured insightful contributions from professionals such as Michelle Oliel (UNICEF), and Dr Brenda Erens (Open Universiteit).  

Another cornerstone of the programme was a workshop on drafting judgments for war crimes cases, delivered by Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa (International Criminal Court) and Valerie Gabard (UpRights), moderated by Gabriela Radu (Asser Institute). The programme also encompassed a session with Judge Jacco Snoeijer (District Court of The Hague), who provided valuable insights into adjudicating international crimes in a domestic context. Additionally, delegates participated in an exchange meeting with the International Commission for Missing Persons, delving into innovative methodologies for locating and identifying missing persons in the context of conflict, specifically in Ukraine. 

Fruitful Exchanges at International Justice Institutions 

Participants visited key Hague-based institutions, including the International Criminal Court, Eurojust, Europol (Core International Crimes Analysis Project), and the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, engaging directly with practitioners to explore strategies and best practices in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of international crimes. 

Final Conference Marks a Significant Milestone 

A highlight of the study visit was the final conference of the project, held on 19 November 2024, which brought together Ukrainian and international legal professionals to discuss key aspects of addressing international crimes. This event marked the culmination of the MATRA-Ukraine project and provided a platform for exchanging expertise and reflecting on progress made. 

Discussions focused on best practices in documenting and prosecuting international crimes, integrating child-friendly justice standards, and ensuring fair trial compliance in national war crimes cases. The conference concluded with remarks from Dr Christophe Paulussen of the Asser Institute and Wayne Jordash KC of Global Rights Compliance, emphasising the project’s achievements and the importance of ongoing collaboration in pursuing justice for crimes committed during the conflict. 

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Reflecting on a Transformational Impact 

Participants from Ukraine praised the study visit and final conference as invaluable opportunities to gain practical knowledge and foster meaningful connections with international legal institutions and experts. These engagements not only deepened their understanding of international criminal law but also strengthened cooperative relationships between Ukrainian legal professionals, international and Dutch institutions dedicated to achieving justice and accountability. 

While the MATRA-Ukraine project officially concludes this month after almost five years of activity, its impact will endure, reflected in the enhanced capacities of Ukraine’s justice sector and its strengthened foundation for future international partnerships in the pursuit of justice for grave crimes. Much remains to be done, however, particularly in addressing challenges such as aligning domestic legal frameworks with international standards, strengthening the capacity of defence lawyers, and ensuring adherence to fair trial principles in in absentia cases. These efforts will be essential to sustaining the progress achieved and building a justice system equipped to meet the challenges of investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating complex international crimes in times of on-going armed conflict.