Committee of Ministers Engages with Civil Society on Ensuring Accountability for Crimes during War of Aggression Against Ukraine
GHRTV
14-07-2023
Sofía Medina Sánchez
International Justice and Human Rights Researcher
Global Human Rights Defence
On the 10th of July, an exchange of views with representatives of civil society on the accountability for crimes during the war of aggression against Ukraine was held by the Committee of Ministers Rapporteur Group on Legal Cooperation. The representatives of international and Ukrainian civil society were called upon to convey their opinion on the Ukraine situation with respect to the International Criminal Court, criminal proceedings in domestic Ukrainian courts and other efforts to implement a special tribunal.
The exchange of views occurred subsequent to the adoption of the Reykjavík Declaration during the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe, held on May 16-17, 2023. The leaders of the Council of Europe emphasised the non-applicability of statutes of limitation to genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Moreover, they expressed their endorsement of global endeavours aimed at holding the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation accountable for their war of aggression against Ukraine, while acknowledging progress made towards establishing a specialised tribunal for the crime of aggression. Additionally, they made a commitment to reinforce the Council of Europe's efforts in supporting and promoting national and international initiatives, including the efforts of the European Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It remains to be seen the future steps that will be taken in order to ensure accountability of the Russian Federation for its war of aggression. However, this exchange of views demonstrates the international community’s dedication towards maintaining the rule of law, democracy, and respect for human rights.
Sources and further readings:
Council of Europe, Newsroom, Accountability for crimes during war of aggression against Ukraine: Committee of Ministers exchange of views with civil society, 13 July 2023 https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/accountability-for-crimes-during-war-of-aggression-against-ukraine-committee-of-ministers-exchange-of-views-with-civil-society.
Council of Europe Portal, Informal exchange of views with representatives of civil society,
organised on the initiative of the Chair of the Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J), “The Accountability for Crimes Under International Law Committed in Ukraine: the State of Play and Way Forward” (Strasbourg, 10 July 2023) : https://rm.coe.int/informal-exchange-of-views-with-representatives-of-civil-society/1680abed3b.
