The International Bar Association (IBA) and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) have partnered to develop a pilot mentoring programme aimed at supporting legal professionals working on war crimes cases in Ukraine. This collaboration involves global experts in international humanitarian law and criminal law who have conducted initial scoping meetings with three selected participants involved in war crimes cases – a judge, a prosecutor, and a defence lawyer.
The mentors of the programme include, Her Honour Judge Sylvia de Bertodano; Abigail Kokutetsa Bridgman, international law practitioner; Iain Edwards, barrister, specialist in international criminal defence; Dr Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director; Paola Fudakowska, UK-qualified public international law and human rights lawyer; Ben Keith, barrister; and Mike Newton, Professor of the Practice of Law and Director of the International Legal Studies Program, Vanderbilt University Law School.
This programme emphasises practical application and tailored guidance, ensuring confidentiality given the sensitive nature of the cases. It reflects the ongoing need for international support as Ukraine continues to confront the challenges of justice and accountability amid the ongoing conflict.
IBA President Jaime Carey commented:
‘It is heartening that the IBA’s ongoing assistance to its members in Ukraine, the country’s wider legal profession and our productive collaboration with the Ukrainian Bar Association are so well received. The principles of justice, the rule of law and the international legal order are under threat, and this mentoring scheme is a step toward reinforcing those values. I am confident it will be a great success.’
Dr Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director and a programme mentor, added:
‘Building on our efforts since the start of the war, the IBA is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s legal community during this critical period through the launch of this new mentoring programme. The initiative involves the exchange of written work on real-life cases and the discussion of complex legal issues, including innovative approaches to the prosecution and defence of war crimes, and judicial decision-making. Assembling legal frameworks that protect justice and human dignity, while laying the foundation for future peace and stability, demands a deep understanding of both criminal and international humanitarian law. Through this intensive and practical engagement, we aim to equip Ukraine’s legal professionals to build a more legally resilient and robust future for their country. Initially launched as a three-month pilot, our aspiration is for this programme to become a permanent fixture.’
George Artley, Legal Manager at the IBA, and one of the lead coordinators of the programme, said:
‘This initiative is a valuable opportunity for the IBA’s community of international human rights experts to connect directly with legal professionals who need their help on the ground in Ukraine. The legal issues being faced in Ukraine are at the forefront of global jurisprudence, making it essential for experienced professionals to collaborate and share their expertise. This is a vital undertaking the IBA is very proud to be positioned to facilitate.’
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Ben Keith is a leading barrister specialising in cross-border and international cases. He deals with all aspects of Extradition, Human Rights, Mutual Legal Assistance, Interpol, Financial crime and International Law including sanctions. He represents governments, political and military leaders, High Net Worth individuals, human rights defenders and business leaders in the most sensitive cases.
He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Court of Appeal as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations. Ben is recognised in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
