Ukrainian National Bar Association received the Scott Crosby Human Rights Award 2022
Recently in St. Julian’s (Republic of Malta), the European Criminal Bar Association held a conference on the Role of Defence and the Transformation of the European Judicial Area. The Ukrainian National Bar Association was represented by the Vice President of the UNBA, Mr. Valentyn Gvozdiy.
The conference started with honoring the Ukrainian National Bar Association with the Human Rights Award, named after the famous human rights lawyer Scott Crosby.
Presenting the high award to the UNBA, the ECBA President Vincent Asselineau and the ECBA Human Rights Officer Alexis Anagnostakis noted the extraordinary heroism of the people of Ukraine in their selfless struggle against the aggressor.
Thus, Vincent Asselineau stressed: “The Scott Crosby Award bestowed upon the Ukrainian National Bar Association is justified and well deserved. The ECBA commends the efforts of the Ukrainian National Bar Association to support justice in this war-torn country.”
For his part, Alexis Anagnostakis, the ECBA Human Rights Committee Officer, said: “Honouring the country, its citizens, and their sacrifices, we will now never say that Ukrainians are fighting as heroes! From now on, we will say that HEROES fight as UKRAINIANS! Ukrainian lawyers’ tremendous and heroic work during the war inspires and admires us all.
Despite the bombings, blood, and tears, lawyers and judges have succeeded in maintaining the rule of law and human rights in times of devastating war. Thanks to them, the courts and the legal system operate without interruption. The Ukrainian National Bar Association has shown significant solidarity not only with lawyers; it has helped all the suffering people who asked for help. It was not only legal aid but also assistance with food, clothing, medicines, and finances.
That is why the award is given this year to the heroes of the legal profession. Your victory is our victory! The award is named after our friend and colleague Scott Crosby, who left this world in 2020. For him, human rights were always in the first place, and if he were with us today, I am sure he would be with Ukrainians and fight for human rights in Ukraine!”
Accepting the award on behalf of the UNBA, Valentyn Gvozdiy noted: “This award is a high appreciation of the work of all Ukrainian advocates who uphold the rule of law and fight for peace in Ukraine. On behalf of all Ukrainian lawyers, I sincerely thank the international legal community for its constant support in this difficult time. The war in Ukraine is killing our citizens and destroying our homes, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Now the lawyers of Ukraine have a lot of work to do. Many of us are defending Ukraine on the frontline, and those who are in the rear provide free legal aid to citizens and children left without parents or help with the search for parents. We help servicemen. Our unity and dedication to the profession have become our front today! I agree with Alexis Anagnostakis, who said that in 2023 we would hold the awarding of the Human Rights Award named after the famous human rights lawyer Scott Crosby in Ukraine - in a free and peaceful Ukraine. I am convinced that it will happen!” - Valentyn Gvozdiy emphasized.
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
The Verkhovna Rada took another step towards ratifying the Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate
On November 5, the Verkhovna Rada held a working meeting dedicated to the translation of the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the profession of advocate for its subsequent signing and ratification. The issue was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which drew attention to the key term «lawyer» in the international treaty.
Greetings
Nana Bakayanova awarded with the Certificate of honor of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Nana Bakayanova, head of the Department of judicial, law enforcement and advocacy organizations at the Odessa Law Academy and secretary of the disciplinary chamber of the Odessa Region Qualification and Disciplinary Commission, received a Certificate of honor from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Discussion
Law and feelings: advocates explore contemporary challenges in family law
Marriage and divorce are not only legal procedures, but also social phenomena that require a responsible approach. The UNBA Committee on family law organized and held a professional discussion on the topic «Conscious» marriage and «prudent» divorce: challenges, risks, consequences».
Practice of law
BCU strengthens its position on the right of advocate to prioritize cases
In legal practice, it is not uncommon for court hearings in different cases to be scheduled at the same time. This raises the question: which case should the advocate attend first, and can the court interfere with this decision?
Edition
Advocate or lobbyist? The UNBA has presented a guide to distinguishing between the professions
The Ukrainian National Bar Association has prepared a guide that helps distinguish between the legal status of an advocate and a lobbyist, explains the limits of permissible activities for each, and prevents possible violations of ethical and legal standards when participating in public policy-making.
Announcements
Essay contest on the synergy of human and artificial intelligence in diplomacy has begun
The Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv invites students from higher education institutions in Ukraine to participate in the Second All-Ukrainian essay competition on the topic «Modern Ukrainian diplomacy: synergy of human and artificial intelligence in defending national interests».
Abroad
Where is the line between respect for the court and the dignity of an advocate?
Ukrainian advocates sometimes complain about condescending attitudes or tactless remarks from judges. But such conflicts are not unique to Ukraine. In various countries, advocates raise issues of communication culture in court, mutual respect, and the inadmissibility of humiliating participants.
Discussion
Occupational safety during wartime: legal risks and employer liability
On October 21, the National Bar Association of Ukraine held a round table discussion on «Occupational safety in conditions of martial law». Participants discussed how the war has changed the requirements for safe working conditions, what guarantees remain for employees, and what responsibility employers bear for violations of legislation in this area.
Publications
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
Iryna Vasylyk Advocacy in the proclamation of Independence of Ukraine
Oleksandr DULSKY When we cross the border of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court, we get into another department of the National Anti-Corruption…
Vadym Krasnyk The UNBA will work, and all obstacles and restrictions are only temporary inconveniences
