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.