The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) have issued a joint statement at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council calling for enhanced support for Ukraine's justice reform and accountability efforts. The oral statement was delivered by Francesca Restifo, IBAHRI Senior Human Rights Lawyer and UN Representative, during the Interactive Dialogue on the situation in Ukraine by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The full statement is below.
60th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Friday 3 October 2025
Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner - Oral update on Ukraine
Oral Statement
The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) thank the High Commissioner for his update.
We remain concerned that in Ukraine, the massive disruption caused by Russian full scale invasion and war of aggression has severely impacted multiple sectors, including the justice system. Since February 2022, at least 157 judicial institutions sustained damages of varying degrees, up to complete destruction and looting of property. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian justice system has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to function despite funding shortages and disruptions to regular proceedings.
Meanwhile, violations of social and economic rights due to the Russian war considerably affect any transitional justice effort. Destruction of infrastuctures, forced displament, unemployment and economic instability, limited access to basic needs, as well as deterioration of mental health conditions among people in Ukraine exacerbate inequalities, hinder economic recovery, and complicate efforts to achieve comprehensive justice and reconciliation.
We call on this Council, through international cooperation, to enhance support for Ukraine's justice reform and accountability efforts; consider technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, as well as financial resources to ensure the sustainability and independence of Ukraine's judicial institutions; strengthen prosecutorial and investigative capacities, particularly in documenting and adjudicating war crimes cases.
