UNBA was honored a Special Award by the International Bar Association (IBA)
On October 30, 2022, during the opening ceremony of the most significant event in the legal world – the annual conference of the International Bar Association (IBA) in Miami (USA), the Ukrainian National Bar Association was awarded the IBA Special Award: for extraordinary leadership and dedication to the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed the forum participants. He thanked all international partners for their powerful help, especially "the USA for its leadership in the global coalition formed to protect Ukraine and freedom." The head of the Ukrainian state emphasized that lawyers would end this war after the military and politicians. The lawyers will ensure that all those guilty of terror, torture, and death of Ukrainians are brought to justice and will ensure compensation for all damages caused by Russia at the expense of the assets of the aggressor state. Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the participants of the conference to actively participate in this work:
"I ask you to continue to be active. Together we can prove that the law works, the law works, and every war crime will be investigated, and every war criminal brought to justice."
Immediately after the speech of the President of Ukraine, the UNBA Vice President, Valentyn Gvozdiy, was presented with the IBA Special Professional Award: for extraordinary leadership and dedication to the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine. Accepting the award, Valentyn Gvozdiy thanked for the high evaluation of the Ukrainian National Bar Association's work and the entire legal community in the war, stressing that today Ukrainians are fighting for peace, against terror and aggression.
"In times like these, human rights are more vulnerable than ever. Since the beginning of the war, the Ukrainian National Bar Association has been a guardian of human rights in Ukraine and will continue to defend the fundamental values of civilization and the rule of law. This award is given to almost 70,000 Ukrainian advocates fighting for human rights in Ukraine. We are grateful to the IBA for their strong support," Valentyn Gvozdiy emphasized.
The annual conference in Miami (USA) began on October 30 and will continue until November 4. This leading forum is held for legal professionals worldwide to share knowledge, network, and develop businesses.
Popular news
Guarantees of the practice of law
Ombudsman calls for a firm response to violence against advocates
Every instance of obstruction of an advocate’s lawful activities, use of physical force, delaying an investigation, or concealment of evidence must be subject to a proper legal assessment. The state is obligated to ensure that the right to a defense is a genuine guarantee.
Greetings
The UNBA congratulates Denis Maslov on his appointment as Minister of Justice
Denis Maslov’s many years of experience as a advocate, his work as a judge and his tenure as chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on legal policy have given him a deep understanding of how the legal system functions and the challenges it faces.
Legislation
The Verkhovna Rada explained why the section on advocacy should be removed from the anti-corruption strategy
The section on advocacy and legal aid in the draft anti-corruption strategy for 2026–2030 goes beyond the scope of anti-corruption policy and is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of the independence of the legal profession.
Discussion
Complaints, time limits and prosecutorial powers: what gaps in the CPC do advocates see?
During the pretrial investigation stage, the effectiveness of the defense depends to a large extent on the proper implementation of procedural safeguards: the timely consideration of complaints, the advocate’s access to information regarding the progress of the proceedings and so on.
Guarantees of the practice of law
The NACP’s clarification regarding the declaration of membership in the UNBA should be clarified – BCU
An advocate’s membership in the UNBA is an element of professional status arising by virtue of law, rather than a voluntary private membership in an association. Therefore, failure to disclose it in a declaration should not automatically lead to the conclusion of unethical conduct or the concealment of a private interest.
Legislation
Legal experts will assess the legal risks of the draft law on sports
Draft Law No. 15169 «On sports» is intended to change the rules for sports clubs, federations, investors, competition organizers, and digital services in this sector. Advocates from the relevant Committees of the UNBA were invited to participate in its finalization.
Discussion
The history of Ukrainian constitutionalism was discussed during a lecture
To mark Ukraine’s Constitution Day, the Center for research on the legal profession and law of the UNBA in collaboration with the «Bykivnia Graves» National Historical and Memorial Reserve organized an online lecture on the history of the Ukrainian constitutional process.
Legislation
The UNBA is counting on the swift ratification of the Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer
The ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Professions of Lawyer must be accompanied by targeted amendments to legislation to strengthen safeguards for advocates, but should not be used as a pretext for dismantling the self-governing model 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