On 4 July 2025, during the 59th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), together with the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA), delivered a joint oral statement during the interactive dialogue on the role of technical cooperation and capacity-building in promoting and protecting human rights.

The organisations welcomed the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which highlights the importance of technical cooperation among States, the Office of the High Commissioner, and other relevant stakeholders, including national human rights institutions, in strengthening national structures that play a key role in upholding human rights.

In their statement, IBAHRI and UBA underscored the large-scale devastation caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which has severely impacted numerous sectors, including the justice system. Since February 2022, nearly 10% of Ukraine’s court infrastructure has been damaged, and close to 20% of courts have been forced to shut down. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian justice system has shown notable resilience, continuing to operate under severe financial constraints and frequent interruptions.

At the same time, the war’s consequences—including destruction of infrastructure, forced displacement, widespread unemployment, economic instability, limited access to basic services, and deteriorating mental health—have significantly undermined Ukraine’s transitional justice efforts. These factors have exacerbated existing inequalities, delayed economic recovery, and complicated reform processes.

IBAHRI and the Ukrainian Bar Association called on the Human Rights Council to enhance its support for Ukraine through technical cooperation, particularly in the areas of justice reform and accountability for international crimes. The organisations stressed the need for increased technical assistance, capacity-building, and financial support to ensure the independence and sustainability of Ukraine’s judicial institutions.

They further encouraged targeted support to strengthen prosecutorial and investigative capacities, especially in the documentation and adjudication of war crimes.