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Ukraine: LIV adds support, International Criminal Court opens investigation
The Law Institute of Victoria has followed the Law Council’s lead in calling on the Australian government to “do all it can” to support the people of Ukraine amid the news that the International Criminal Court will open an immediate investigation.
Naomi Neilson
Earlier this week, the Law Council of Australia (LCA) said that in addition to assisting with evacuating those at risk, the government should be implementing pathways to protection visas for Ukrainian asylum seekers and refugees currently in Australia.
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Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) president Tania Wolff released a statement in support of the LCA and asked the government to do all it can to support Ukrainians.
“Like many in our community, the legal profession is deeply concerned about Russian action in Ukraine, and the loss of life and security of the Ukrainian people.
“I echo the calls from the Law Council of Australia for the Australian government to do all that it can as a member of the international community to protect and support the people of Ukraine at this time,” Ms Wolff commented.
The Law Society of South Australia has also voiced its support and expressed grave concern about Russia’s actions in a “clear violation of international law”.
“The society also endorses the LCA’s calls to the Australian government to provide humanitarian aid and asylum to Ukrainian citizens impacted by the conflict,” it said.
The International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan QC announced earlier that he was seeking an investigation and has now received referrals of the situation in Ukraine from 39 member states. The referrals will enable the court to proceed with opening an official investigation into “alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person”.
“With an active investigation now underway, I repeat my call to all those engaged in hostilities in Ukraine to adhere strictly to the applicable rules of international humanitarian law. No individual in the Ukraine situation has a license to commit crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court,” Mr Khan said.
