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[Benjamin Ferencz lecture] Effective defence in International crimes trials: Ukraine, International practice and EU accession

Defending Justice in Times of War: Fair Trials in Ukraine
How can fair trial standards be upheld during active conflict? This Benjamin Ferencz Lecture brings together leading defence practitioners to examine the realities of ensuring justice in international crimes trials.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Time: 16:30
Location: Asser Institute
About the Event
As prosecutions of conflict-related crimes in Ukraine expand, ensuring effective defence rights is critical to fair trials and the credibility of justice processes. This lecture explores the practical challenges faced by defence lawyers working in highly complex and politically sensitive environments.
Drawing on experiences from Ukraine and other international contexts, the discussion will highlight common challenges—such as public scrutiny, institutional gaps, and professional pressure—and reflect on their relevance for Ukraine’s ongoing rule-of-law reforms and EU accession process.
Speakers
- Marie O’Leary — Counsel before the ICC, President of the ADC-ICT
- Yuliia Shuliak — Ukrainian defence lawyer, PhD
- Moderator: Victoria Kerr — Consultant, T.M.C. Asser Instituut (Ukraine justice projects)
The lecture will conclude with an audience discussion followed by a networking reception.
Register here!