The BCU took note of the public appeal from the HCJ

The Bar Council of Ukraine has determined that, given the current security situation, it is objectively impossible to hold, in accordance with the procedure established by the Law «On the advocacy and the practice of law», meetings of advocates, regional conferences of advocates and the Congress of Ukrainian Advocates, including for the purpose of electing two members of the High Council of Justice under the quota allocated to the Congress of Ukrainian Advocates.

This decision was adopted at a regular meeting of the BCU on August 18 following consideration of the public appeal from the High Council of Justice, approved by Decision No. 1476/0/15-26 dated July 16, 2026.

It should be noted that organizing the Congress is a multi-stage process. It is preceded by meetings of advocates in districts and cities, as well as regional conferences of advocates at which delegates are elected. However, current legislation does not provide for remote participation in these events.

In addition, some advocates are serving in the military, are located in temporarily occupied territories, have been granted internally displaced person status or have left Ukraine.

According to information from regional bar associations, in a number of frontline regions, holding mass events is restricted or virtually impossible due to hostilities, constant shelling, population evacuations, and the lack of shelters with adequate capacity. At the same time, the law requires that the date, time, and location of meetings, conferences and conventions be announced in advance.

Therefore, given the current security situation, this poses a real threat to participants. Holding such events without the full participation of advocates from certain regions may also violate the principles of electivity, transparency, and equality, calling into question the validity of the convention and the legitimacy of its decisions.

The BCU has confirmed that the participation of the advocacy profession in the formation of the High Council of Justice is its constitutional duty. At the same time, the organizational conditions for holding the congress must be determined by the bodies of bar self-government in accordance with the law, ensuring the safety of participants and equal opportunities for participation by advocates from all regions.

In September 2022, the Bar Council of Ukraine adopted a resolution to convene the Sixth Congress of Ukrainian Advocates. At that time, the Congress’s agenda was approved, which, in addition to the election of the leadership of the highest body of bar self-governance, included the appointment of members of the High Council of Advocates and the body responsible for holding prosecutors accountable through disciplinary proceedings.

At the same time, the issues of setting the date for the Congress and determining the representation quotas can be resolved only after the security situation changes or after legislative provisions are enacted governing the conduct of bar self-governance events during martial law.

Regional bar councils have been instructed to continuously monitor the security situation and report any significant changes to the BCU without delay, but no less frequently than once a quarter.

The text of the BCU’s decision will soon be posted on the UNBA’s website and forwarded to the High Council of Justice.

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