Representatives from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the UNBA discussed veterans' access to justice
On April 3, a working meeting was held at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine with representatives of the Ukrainian National Bar Association, dedicated to improving the effectiveness of legal protection for war veterans and their families.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Farhad Farkhadov, the President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova, Chairman of the UNBA Committee on the protection of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine, compensation mechanisms and European integration legal support for recovery Andriy Yermak, UNBA Committee Coordinator Svitlana Hrusko and the Head of the UNBA Secretariat Vadym Krasnyk.
The parties discussed the systemic challenges veterans face in defending their rights and agreed on the need to transition from ad hoc solutions to a comprehensive model of legal protection.
A key priority identified was the development of a specialization for advocates in veterans’ cases — through training programs, the exchange of best practices, and the development of unified approaches to legal aid that take into account the specificities of their status.
Special attention was given to the Ministry’s work within the framework of the Expert Group on access to justice for war veterans and their families. «Our task is to build a system in which a veteran is not forced to defend their rights in court against the state. The state must be the guarantor of protection, not a party to the dispute», - noted F. Farkhadov.
A separate topic was the preparation for the specialized seminar «Justice and trust: the judiciary and veterans», which will take place on April 29 in Kyiv. The UNBA confirmed its readiness to participate in shaping the agenda and providing expert input.
The event will serve as a platform for open dialogue between judges, advocates, and state institutions with the aim of developing practical solutions in the field of protecting veterans’ rights. The event program will be released shortly, and registration for participants will open.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for systematic cooperation and the joint implementation of initiatives aimed at increasing veterans’ trust in the justice system.
Popular news
Legislation
Advocates have warned that the draft Labor Code would curtail workers' protections
Certain provisions of the draft Labor Code of Ukraine regarding collective labor disputes undermine labor protections and do not comply with constitutional and international standards.
Educational events
The right of minors to marry: how judicial oversight works
The issue of granting minors the right to marry lies at the intersection of family law, child protection, and judicial discretion. The UNBA Committee on family law dedicated a webinar held on March 30 to this very topic.
Interaction
The UNBA and the Coordination headquarters have agreed to cooperate in assisting those released from captivity
Servicemen released from captivity, family members of prisoners of war, civilians deprived of their personal liberty as a result of armed aggression, as well as persons missing in connection with the war, will gain additional opportunities to access legal assistance and protect their rights.
Self-government
BCU: The HCJ’s decisions undermine the constitutional guarantees of the independence of the advocacy profession
The Bar Council of Ukraine has concluded that, in its recent decisions, the High Council of Justice has, without legal grounds, called into question the right of bar self-governing bodies to protect the guarantees of legal practice and has, in effect, attempted to grant one of its members — who retains the status of an advocate — special immunity from the Rules of professional conduct and disciplinary responsibility.
Announcements
The Bar Council of Ukraine begins its meeting
Today, April 2, a meeting of the Bar Council of Ukraine is taking place in Kyiv. On the agenda are issues related to the activities of bar self-governing bodies, consideration of a decision by the High Council of Justice, a number of appeals, as well as a discussion of the current state and pressing issues regarding the functioning of the legal aid system.
Interaction
The UNBA and the National Guard have agreed to cooperate on legal protection for military personnel
Servicemembers of the National Guard, their family members, and veterans are to receive additional legal tools to protect their rights, while the National Guard’s legal services will receive methodological and expert support.
Interaction
Protecting the rights of service members: The UNBA and the Military Ombudsman have agreed on cooperation
Servicemembers, reservists, conscripts during training exercises, members of local community volunteer units, and other individuals covered by the Law «On the Military Ombudsman» should have better access to professional legal assistance.
Rule of Law Roadmap
Access to the profession: the subgroup focused on internships and practical training
The Ukrainian National Bar Association hosted a regular meeting of the subgroup «Access to the profession and training of advocates. Organizational forms of legal practice» of the Working Group on the Implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap regarding the reform of advocacy.
Publications
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition during wartime: when the risks outweigh the request
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition as a systemic form of rights violations
Victoria Yakusha, Law and Business The anti-corruption vertical cannot «take care» of the Bar as an institution, - acting head of the HQDCB
Censor.net Protecting advocates – protecting justice: addressing concerns about the new law
Ihor Kolesnykov A BRIEF SUMMARY REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDER ON EXTENDED CONFISCATION IN LATVIA REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSETS OF…
Valentyn Gvozdiy WORKING IN A WAR ZONE
Lydia Izovitova Formula of perfection
Sergiy Vylkov Our judicial system is so built that courts do not trust advocates
