The UNBA exemplifies the highest standards of advocacy, organized as a strong, independent bar association – President of the ССВЕ

On November 25, 2022, in Brussels, during the CCBE Plenary Session, the Ukrainian National Bar Association received the 2022 CCBE Human Rights Award for its outstanding and tireless dedication to human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine.

The presentation of the award was a moment of solidarity between the European bar associations and their Ukrainian colleagues.

CCBE President James MacGuill, highlighting the achievements of the Ukrainian National Bar Association, stated: «It is a great honor for us to have the leadership of the Ukrainian National Bar Association here with us. For many years, we have maintained close working relations with the UNBA, and we are confident that these ties will grow even stronger, given Ukraine’s progress as a candidate country for full EU membership.

We have all had the privilege of witnessing the immense role the UNBA plays in representing Ukraine’s advocates and, through them, assisting its citizens during this unlawful war. I had the honor of attending a meeting of the Bar Council of Ukraine and can confirm from personal experience that the UNBA exemplifies the highest standards of advocacy, organized into a strong, independent bar association.

At all times and especially as the work to rebuild Ukraine continues the advocacy profession must be consulted on any proposals concerning its activities, the rule of law, and the administration of justice».

As a reminder, in 2022, the CCBE Human Rights Award was presented to the Ukrainian National Bar Association and Ukrainian advocate Nadiya Volkova.

More detailed information about the award and previous winners is available at this link.

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), founded in 1960, is an international association that, since its inception, has been at the forefront of promoting the views of European advocates and defending the legal principles upon which democracy and the rule of law are based.

The CCBE represents European bar associations in their common interests before European and other international institutions. Regulating the profession, safeguarding the rule of law, human rights, and democratic values are the CCBE’s most important missions. Areas of particular focus include the right to access to justice, the digitization of justice processes, the development of the rule of law, and client protection through the promotion and defense of the profession’s core values.