New Research Brief examines the transitional justice initiatives currently unfolding in Ukraine

7 October 2024

In our latest research brief, 'Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine', Chhime Namdol Sherpa and Robin van der Lugt examine the justice initiatives currently unfolding in Ukraine and assess how these efforts can be adapted to lay the groundwork for a holistic transitional justice process, even as the Russo-Ukraine conflict persists.

Since 2014, Ukraine has faced a series of overlapping crises—ranging from the Maidan protests and civil unrest in Donbas to the annexation of Crimea, the armed conflict in Donbas and the full-scale invasion by Russia—within a complex post-Soviet socio-economic and political landscape. These challenges have resulted in a fragmented landscape of reforms and justice initiatives.

The current reality, characterized by Ukraine’s defense against an aggressor state, continues to restrict its ability to engage in a meaningful transitional justice process, which requires extensive self-scrutiny and space for open dialogue within society. Progress in this area appears contingent on the cessation of hostilities and establishing inter-state assurances of non-recurrence against aggression.

Despite these challenges, the authors note that both Ukraine and the international community are engaging with transitional justice, albeit with an overt focus on individual criminal responsibility. Initiatives such as documentation and preservation of evidence, domestic trials, and ICC arrest warrants represent critical components of an emerging transitional justice process amid conflict. Simultaneously, broader recovery efforts are taking place in Ukraine on a scale unprecedented during large-scale armed conflicts. The authors caution that these efforts must consider the potential drivers of post-conflict violence and acknowledge how wartime justice and recovery pursuits could impact future dynamics. They highlight the need for a cohesive strategy that integrates truth, justice, reparations, guarantees of non-recurrence, and collective memory —one that responds to the unique complexities of Ukraine’s situation.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Students at a Geneva Academy event News

Join Our Online Meetings for Prospective Students

1 October 2024

We organize online information sessions for prospective students interested in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

Read more

IHL in Focus Spot Report News

New Report on Food Insecurity in Armed Conflict, Highlighting the Impact of Siege-like Tactics

21 October 2024

The Geneva Academy has published the first spot report from the 'IHL in Focus' research project, ‘Food Insecurity in Armed Conflict and the Use of Siege-like Tactics.’

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Yemen,  Sana'a, Faj Attan district. Destruction. Short Course

The Rules Governing the Use of Force in International Law

9-17 April 2025

This online short course provides an overview of the content and evolution of the rules governing the use of unilateral force in international law, including military intervention on humanitarian grounds and the fight against international terrorism. It focuses on the practice of states and international organizations.

Read more

Screenshot of the RULAC webpage Project

Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC)

Started in May 2007

The Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts project (RULAC) is a unique online portal that identifies and classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law (IHL). It is primarily a legal reference source for a broad audience, including non-specialists, interested in issues surrounding the classification of armed conflicts under IHL.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more