The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), has announced that its Director, Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws LT KC, eminent British barrister, life peer and member of the United Kingdom's House of Lords, has been awarded the Order of Merit of Ukraine of the III degree by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The award was conferred on Ukraine's Independence Day, Sunday 24 August 2025.
In a message, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, wrote: 'On Ukraine's Independence Day, President Zelenskyy has chosen to honor you with the Order of Merit of Ukraine. This award is not only a symbol of the deep gratitude of the Ukrainian people - it is a recognition of your lifelong commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Your strong voice in defending truth and dignity has inspired many, and your support for the Bring Kids Back UA initiative has given hope to families separated by war. We greatly value the role of the United Kingdom and your personal dedication in advancing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Your solidarity reminds us that our struggle for freedom and justice is shared by friends around the world.'
The Order of Merit of Ukraine is a prestigious honorary award given to individuals of any nationality who demonstrate outstanding contributions to Ukraine across various areas including economics, science, culture, the military, and public or political service. Notably, Baroness Kennedy is the first individual from the UK to receive this honour from President Zelenskyy. Other recent recipients include Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark's Minister of Foreign Affairs, in 2023, and Patrick Cox, former President of the European Parliament, in 2024.
Commenting on the award, Baroness Kennedy said, 'I am deeply humbled to receive this Honour and I accept it on behalf of all my colleagues in the law who are seeking justice in our troubled world. I have been privileged to work with Andriy Yermak and the rest of the President's team on the tragedy that has befallen the Ukrainian people at the hands of Russia. The abduction of a nation's children is such a vicious way of inflicting pain on a population. The war crimes being committed by Russia are grievous. The conduct of Putin would leave most people in total despair, but Ukrainians have been resolute in their struggle for freedom and justice. They have been an inspiration to me, and I am constantly reminded why tyranny has to be confronted as I watch President Zelenskyy deal with the slings and arrows that come his way. I send my admiration and gratitude to Ukraine and hope that an end to this war of aggression ends in genuine peace and justice.'
Baroness Kennedy is the Co-chair of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force on deported Ukrainian children. It is a high-level group of experts focused on developing a child rights-based mechanism for the reunification of abducted Ukrainian children with their families and communities, as well as strengthening the international legal framework for the protection of children during armed conflict. Her leadership to the Task Force underscores her lifelong dedication to protecting the rights of society's most vulnerable.
In 2022 Baroness Helena Kennedy also joined the Ukraine government's Legal Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine . The group's aim is to support the Ukrainian authorities in delivering justice for victims of any international crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
IBAHRI Co-Chairs, Mark Stephens CBE and Hina Jilani, in a joint statement of congratulations wrote: 'Helena's boundless energy and commitment to fight injustice in the world and her dedication and passion for Ukraine is an inspiration to so many of us. She has an uplifting unwavering spirit in tackling wrongdoing, and she gives others strength with her courage and tenacity. We congratulate her on this special honour of the Order of Merit of Ukraine, which particularly acknowledges the work she is doing to reunite Ukrainian families.'
