On the eve of Victory in Europe day, the UK has pledged greater
assistance and expertise to strengthen Ukraine's justice system
to help it forge a bright future as a free and democratic state
as part of an agreement signed by Minister Sackman and Minister
Suhak, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine, in Kyiv.
The long-term agreement, which came as Minister Sackman attended
the United for Justice Conference and Ministerial Dialogue Group
in Kyiv to set out the international community's continued
support for Ukraine, will mean that the UK will provide its
extensive expertise to help strengthen the rule of law.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will build on the already strong
judicial co-operation that exists between the two countries –
including the development of training programmes to help bolster
the role of an independent, transparent and effective
judiciary. It will also share best practice on ensuring
vulnerable victims, especially women, are supported throughout
the justice system.
The agreement comes after the Prime Minister Sir visited Kyiv in January to
launch the 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine. This partnership
will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine
has shown in its defence against Russia's illegal and unprovoked
invasion. It will foster long-term security and growth for both
countries and shows the UK's steadfast commitment to support its
allies and the people of Ukraine.
Minister for Courts and Legal Services, KC, said:
“I have heard first-hand testimonies of the devastation and pain
caused by Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the need to bring those
responsible to account.
“As our Ukrainian friends fight to secure their independence,
their battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to
rebuild – including a resilient justice system.
“We will share best practice to advance vital justice reforms to
help Ukraine strengthen its rule of law, underpin economic
prosperity and safeguard its democracy.”
The Memorandum of Cooperation will focus on a number of
areas. This includes:
- Developing sustainable modern justice systems – including
exchanging expertise on the effective management of courts and
the use of online platforms and artificial
intelligence.
- Sharing expertise on how to accommodate vulnerable people
throughout the justice system including the use of legal aid and
appropriate trauma-based support.
- Sharing best practice on how to manage prisons and probation
services and effective procedures to inspect these
services.
- Supporting the role of an independent, transparent and
effective judiciary in Ukraine.
- Developing the availability of dispute resolution in Ukraine
and best practice on the use of arbitration and mediation as
alternatives to court hearings.
- Building collaboration between the UK and Ukrainian legal
services sectors.
Alongside this agreement the United Kingdom continues to fund and
support Ukraine. In total, £18 billion has been spent to support
the Ukrainian people through the war with £13 billion provided in
military assistance and close to £5 billion in humanitarian and
non-military aid.
The agreement was signed in the week after Ukrainian troops
joined an array of British, Commonwealth and NATO troops to mark
VE Day in London. It served as a reminder of the need for
continued global support for Ukraine and its people in their
fight for freedom against Russia's war of aggression.
