Login
Ukrainian government forms task force for crimes committed in Ukraine
Renowned human rights barrister Amal Clooney is one of many high-profile legal professionals who have agreed to help Ukrainian authorities bring justice to victims of any international crimes committed during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Jerome Doraisamy
The remit of the Legal Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine, the nation’s government said in a statement, will encompass advice on proposals for accountability, including through the United Nations and regional organisations, advice and potential representation relating to civil and criminal cases (including under universal jurisdiction laws) to secure accountability and reparations in national jurisdictions, and strategic guidance on Ukraine’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Notable members of the task force include International Bar Association Human Rights Institute director Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, former president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Lord David Neuberger, and international law and human rights barrister Amal Clooney.
Baroness Kennedy said that it is an honour to be of service to the Ukrainian government and its people.
“The task force is determined to ensure that no impunity is granted for the blatant violations of international law committed by Russia. It is crucial that perpetrators are brought to justice, and victims receive the reparations they deserve. There can be no peace without justice,” she proclaimed.
Ms Clooney added: “Ukrainians deserve to see perpetrators held to account and to recover compensation for the horrific abuses they are suffering. I am privileged to be working alongside such a distinguished group of lawyers and experts in this endeavour to ensure that nobody is above the law and that survivors will have their day in court.”
Other members of the task force include Covington & Burling partner Nikhil Gore, Withers partner Emma Lindsay, Sygna Partners partner Luke Vidal, King’s College London public international law Professor Philippa Webb, and London-based barristers Richard Hermer QC and Tim Otty QC.
All members of the task force, as well as the supporting lawyers and academics to its work, will carry out their efforts on a pro bono basis, the Ukrainian government noted.
