The UNBA actions are directed at strengthening the bar self-government- Lydia Izovitova

On 18 August, at the initiative of the UNBA/BCU President Lydia Izovitova, a meeting with the representatives of NGO "Association of Advocates of Ukraine" took place.

The meeting was necessitated by an open letter, signed by three NGOs, in which they expressed their concern about the situation around Kyiv conference of advocates. Except for the AAU, two other NGOs did not wish to take part at the meeting, ignoring the UNBA invitation or preferring to participate in sports events.

During the meeting Mrs Izovitova explained the legal basis for convening the conference of advocates from Kyiv by the BCU, which emerged due to years of systematic violation of the Law "On the Bar and Practice of Law": breach of financial requirements concerning the transfer of part of advocates’ contributions to ensure the bar self-government; use of advocates’ certificates and IDs of unofficial format; availability of register of advocates of Kyiv, which is not envisaged by the law, and making extracts from it, etc. The audit conducted by the Higher Audit Commission of the Bar and the special temporary commission formed by the BCU, found the absence of a legitimate Qualifications and Disciplinary Commission of the Bar in Kyiv, which would have been established in accordance with the current law. Instead, the organization with no established legal form appropriated powers delegated by the State to the bar self-government.

Mrs Izovitova stressed that this situation may discredit the entire legal profession and violation of the law must be stopped.

Thus, the conference of advocates of Kyiv was aimed at strengthening the bar self-government and restoration of legality of work of such bodies in the capital.

On Thursday the UNBA President also met with representatives of the Organizing Committee.