July 14-18 — Ukrainian International Criminal Justice Week. Events Calendar
The Center for Civil Liberties welcomes lawyers, international law experts, representatives of civil society organizations, and state institutions to a series of events that will take place during the Ukrainian Week of International Criminal Justice.
Every year on July 17, the world celebrates International Criminal Justice Day. This date commemorates the adoption in 1998 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court — the first permanent international judicial body in history with jurisdiction to prosecute the most serious crimes under international law. For the six consecutive year, the Center for Civil Liberties organizes the Ukrainian Week of International Criminal Justice around this date. This year’s focus theme is “Justice Tomorrow. Action Today“. Media accreditation for all events of the week is available via the link.
Environmental Crime Under International & Ukrainian Law — Webinar
- Date: Monday, July 14
- Time: 17:00-18:00 (Kyiv time)
- Format: online
- Language: English
The webinar will focus on environmental crimes in international and Ukrainian law. The lecturer will explain how to qualify the following crimes during the war, in particular in Ukraine: the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, the occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, and the destruction of the natural environment and biodiversity. Participants will learn about the gaps in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on ecocide and war crimes against the environment and discuss ways to add ecocide to the list of international crimes. Michael Kelly is Professor of Law at Creighton University (USA) and Director of the Cayman Centre for International Criminal Justice. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Criminal Law Association and the Advisory Board of the United Nations Crime Prevention Programme and actively supports Ukraine in the field of international criminal justice. Register for the event via the link.
Crime of aggression in the ICC and Kampala amendments review — Webinar
- Date: Tuesday, July 15
- Time: 17:00-18:00 (Kyiv time)
- Format: online
- Language: English
The webinar will focus on one of the most complex issues of international criminal law – the crime of aggression. The lecturer will explain the history of the codification of this crime in the Rome Statute through the Kampala Amendments of 2010, talk about the mechanism of double activation of jurisdiction and the challenges of practical implementation of these provisions. The participants will learn how jurisdictional limitations and political sensitivities affect the possibility of prosecuting the crime of aggression, and what role these norms play in the global debate on the unlawful use of force. Register for the event via the link.
How is Poland contributing to the investigation of international crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine? — Q&A
- Date: Wednesday, July 16
- Time: 17:00-18:00 (Kyiv time)
- Format: offline in Kyiv (location will be shared with registered participants)
- Language: English
During this event, we will discuss war crimes investigations initiated by Poland under the principle of universal jurisdiction, the possibilities of holding perpetrators accountable in Polish courts and at the international level, and Poland’s efforts toward establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. Our speakers will explain how Poland contributes to the fight for justice for Ukraine and will answer participants’ questions. Our speakers:
- Hanna Kuczyńska – Professor at the Institute of Law Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw; President of the Polish group of the International Association of Criminal Law.
- Agnieszka Bieńczyk-Missala – Professor of Political Science, researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the University of Warsaw.
Register for the event via the link.
Justice 2030: Scenarios for Ukraine — Conference
- Date: July 17–18, 2025
- Location: Provided to confirmed participants only
- Working languages: Ukrainian and English (simultaneous interpretation is provided)
International criminal justice is not just a trial and a verdict. It is a whole system of efforts by various actors that begins long before the accused enters the courtroom. Despite everything already accomplished, much work still lies ahead for Ukraine and its civil society.
- How can a legal system be built in Ukraine to withstand the challenges of post-war justice? Should a special investigative body for international crimes be established?
- What should national legislation look like to ensure effective prosecution of perpetrators?
- How can the effectiveness of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression be guaranteed?
- Should we rely on the International Criminal Court, and what role might it play in the future?
- How can suspects or convicted individuals hiding from justice worldwide be tracked down?
We will seek answers to these questions during the conference, which will gather leading Ukrainian and international lawyers and human rights defenders. Please note: The conference will take place exclusively offline in Kyiv. There will be no live stream. Travel and accommodation costs will not be covered by the organizers. Register for the event via the link.
