War Crimes Justice in Action

Welcome to IWPR’s Frontline Update, your go-to source to hear from journalists and local voices at the front lines of conflict.

 THE BIG PICTURE  

As Ukraine continues to investigate more than 225,000 alleged war crimes, a two-day simulated trial in Kyiv this week gave investigators, defence lawyers and judges hands-on experience handling complex international cases.

The mock trial – which included all aspects of a real proceeding from witness examinations to courtroom arguments - focused on the coercion and deportation of Ukrainian citizens under Russian annexation.

 VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE 

“This case addresses an alleged system of criminality arising from policies implemented in the occupied regions of Ukraine,” explained Wayne Jordash KC, president of the international legal foundation Global Rights Compliance, which organised the event.

“It challenged participants to engage with some of the most difficult legal and evidentiary questions in international criminal law, including crimes against humanity, deportation and forcible transfer, linkage evidence, and the responsibility of high-level officials geographically distant from the physical crime scenes,” Jordash said.

As part of the mock trial - supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - an IWPR workshop explored the key role journalists play in justice processes, from ethical reporting on victims to covering the cases themselves.

“You don't need to be a lawyer, but you do need to understand what crimes against humanity means, why in absentia trials matter, and how responsibility is established for high-level officials,” said Olga Golovina, editorial coordinator of IWPR’s Ukraine Justice project, which trains Ukrainian journalists to provide in-depth coverage of ongoing accountability efforts. “If you don't understand it, you can’t explain it to your audience.”

 WHY IT MATTERS 

Conducting fair and professional trials is essential for legitimacy. Even during war, Ukraine and its partners want prosecutions to meet international standards to ensure due process and fairness.

“Public oversight is not just desirable: it is one of the strongest guarantors of verdict quality and resistance to future appeals in international courts,” noted Golovina.

The mock trial – the third in an annual series – is part of broader work to support Ukraine build strong cases that stand up in both domestic and international courts.

“Each exercise has represented another step in the development of Ukraine’s capacity to investigate and prosecute international crimes in a manner that is rigorous, credible, and grounded in international best practice,” said Jordash, paying tribute to the diversity of international and Ukrainian expertise involved in the initiative.

“Through open discussion, constructive challenge, and collective learning, we contribute not only to stronger cases but to stronger institutions and greater public confidence in the justice process itself,” he said.

 THE BOTTOM LINE 

From evidence collection to witness protection and prosecution strategies – and amid active conflict - international allies continue to help Ukraine develop its own sustainable accountability mechanisms.

Justice issues have been integral to IWPR’s mission for more than three decades. Working in Ukraine since 2014 - we remain dedicated to these efforts to ensure accountability.