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ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC concludes sixth visit to Ukraine: “Amidst conflict, the law can unify our response to atrocities”

 

Today, I completed my sixth official visit to Ukraine. I leave more convinced than ever that our common work, together with all partners in this situation, will allow us to demonstrate how justice can and must play a central role in confronting aggression and combatting attempts to wield unbridled power. It is remarkable that amidst bombs and abductions, as children are targeted and intentional suffering is inflicted against civilians, the people and authorities of Ukraine have set an example by turning to the law as their ally.

From my engagement with survivors at sites of alleged crimes, through my dialogue with Ukrainian authorities including my valued counterpart Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, and in my discussions with the team of investigators, analysts and support staff now based in the country office of the International Criminal Court in Ukraine, it is clear: we have never been firmer, more united and more focused on delivering justice for international crimes inflicted in the Ukraine situation.

During my visit, I was pleased to meet with their excellencies, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs, whom I congratulated on his recent appointment. In those meetings, I strongly welcomed the decision of the President, now approved by the Ukrainian Parliament, to ratify the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court. 

 

We should not underestimate the significance of this moment. That a State, amidst the most intense heat of conflict turns ever more firmly towards the law, is something to recognise and applaud. This decision by Ukraine, especially at this moment, strengthens not only the protection that international law can provide to the people of Ukraine, but to all people subjected to aggression, tyranny and atrocities globally. It is a powerful act of unity and solidarity at a time when many seek to drive a wedge between those that believe in the rule of law.

 

This collective spirit and commitment to common action towards accountability was also clearly reflected at the United for Justice Conference I had the honour to attend with Prosecutor General Kostin and other national Attorneys General, Ministers of Justice and Prosecutor-Generals, as well as at the 4th Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, to which I was so kindly invited by her Excellency Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine. At both events, a clear message was sent on the power of the law to insist on the common value of all people, of all children, of all lives. Every human life must be seen to have equal value under the law.

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