On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine and the National School of Judges of Ukraine it was held international scientific and practical conference “The justice system of Ukraine in conditions of war: national and international legal dimension”.
The event was held at the initiative of the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine and the National School of Judges of Ukraine with the support of international technical assistance projects and programs.
During the conference, the participants discussed the special aspects of justice under martial law, national and international experience in judicial administration, topical issues of judicial education, ways to ensure stability and proper funding of the judiciary. Within the framework of strengthening international cooperation, a professional discussion of experts and representatives of the Consultative Council of European Judges, the European Judicial Training Network, projects and programs of international technical assistance was held.
The representative event was attended by the Acting Chairman of the High Council of Justice Vitalii Salikhov, as well as by representatives of bodies and institutions of the justice system, international partners, heads of courts, judges, court staff, etc.
Vitalii Salikhov outlined the problematic aspects of judicial governance in the conditions of war and spoke about decisions that made it possible to ensure governability in the judicial system and properly organize the work of courts and guarantee continuity of citizens’ access to justice. At the same time, due to the lack of a quorum in the Council, extremely important issues remain unresolved at the moment – dismissal of judges, suspension of judges from the administration of justice, giving consent to detain judges or hold them in custody.
The Acting Chairman of the HCJ once again stressed the need to form full composition of the constitutional body of judicial governance and resume the performance of all its functions. He also drew attention to the expediency of making amendments to the legislation, which in the future will ensure the continuous work of the High Council of Justice (for example, formation of a reserve by the subjects of delegation of the Council members).
He expressed the conviction of the High Council of Justice members that successful cooperation between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities and the adaptation of legislation to the realities of martial law will make it possible to obtain a positive result.
Vitalii Salikhov emphasized that the judicial system during the war demonstrated ability to administer justice and to work in the most severe conditions of today. Judges make every effort to protect the rights of citizens and increase the authority of the judiciary.