The staffing situation in the courts of first and appellate instances is in a crisis state. The Chairman of the High Council of Justice Hryhorii Usyk emphasized that during a media briefing. He noted that the resumption of the work of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine opens up the opportunity to select judges for over two thousand vacant positions and to complete the qualification assessment of judges. In addition, the appointment of plenipotentiary composition of the HQCJ affects the prospects of Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
According to Hryhorii Usyk’s opinion, the members of the HCJ were able to appoint an optimal composition of the HQCJ based on discussions and their own convictions, taking into account the list of candidates provided by the Selection Commission. He expressed hope for the effective work of the HQCJ and emphasized the expediency of improving the procedure for the selecting judges.
“The procedure for appointing judges is too long. It needs to be changed, applying new approaches both to evaluation and to checking compliance with integrity criteria” said Hryhorii Usyk.
The Chairman of the HCJ wished the newly appointed members of the HQCJ effective work for the benefit of the people of Ukraine and the enhancement of the authority of the judiciary.
“We hope that these people consciously came to their positions realize the burden of responsibility placed on them and understand the expectations society has of them”, – he said.
The Chairman of the HCJ reminded that this important body of the judicial governance has not worked since October 2019, which led to a significant outflow of the judicial personnel. Currently there are more than 2000 vacant judicial positions in the courts. According to Hryhorii Usyk, first of all the priority is to conduct a qualification assessment of 361 judges whose terms have expired and who are no longer exercising their powers.
It should be remind you that on June 1, 2023 the HCJappointeda complete and authorized composition of the HQCJU and unblocked the work of the key body responsible for the formation of the judicial corps.
Briefing by the Chairman of the HCJ Hryhorii Usyk regarding the election of the members of the HQCJ