Mykola Stetsenko, President of the UBA, participated in the IBA Annual Conference 2024, which took place on September 15-20 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Throughout the week, Mr. Stetsenko represented the Ukrainian legal community on a global stage, engaging in high-level discussions that addressed critical issues ranging from war crimes and justice in Ukraine to international legal ethics and the protection of human rights.

A significant part of Mr. Stetsenko’s participation at the IBA Annual Conference was his role as a speaker in the session focused on combating bullying, sexual harassment and gender inequality in the legal profession.

Another key event that the UBA President took part in was the panel discussion titled “Foreign Ownership of Farmland.” Participants in this session explored important issues such as national security, preserving agricultural heritage, and economic disparities faced by farmers. The discussion also focused on the need to balance attracting foreign investment with protecting local interests, particularly in the context of global food security. The challenges rural communities face, including land speculation and environmental concerns, were central topics of the session.

Additionally, Mykola Stetsenko participated in the session titled “A Conversation with Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, and Liev Schreiber.” During the discussion, which was focused on holding Russia accountable for crimes in Ukraine, the UBA President emphasized the issue of collective responsibility of the Russian people for these horrific acts.

Mr. Stetsenko also had the honor of representing the UBA at the IBA Council meeting, where he expressed his gratitude to the International Bar Association and IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) for their ongoing support in promoting the rule of law in Ukraine. This support is exemplified by initiatives such as the trial monitoring in war crimes cases, collecting evidence of war crimes through the eyeWitness to Atrocities app, and the UBA Hotline.

At the Rule of Law Forum, Mykola Stetsenko delivered a speech on Ukraine's fight for justice and its future, focusing on three main areas: war crimes justice, anti-corruption efforts, and Russian aggression against Ukraine. He highlighted the unique situation of Ukraine investigating war crimes while active hostilities are ongoing. The UBA President also mentioned successes in strengthening Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework, emphasizing the importance of civil society’s involvement in the reform process.

Finally, Mr. Stetsenko discussed the roots of Russian aggression, linking it to deep-seated imperialist sentiments that have shaped Russia’s history. He expressed his confidence that good will ultimately triumph over evil and the rule of law will be restored.

Mykola Stetsenko’s participation in the IBA Annual Conference 2024 underscores the crucial role of the UBA in advocating for justice, legal reforms, and human rights during one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history. The conference served as a significant platform for international cooperation and solidarity in the pursuit of a just global legal order.

Tags: UBA President, Mykola Stetsenko, UBA activities, IBA