In trials of war crimes committed by Russia, Ukraine’s domestic courts uphold human rights both in spirit and in law

As international instruments and organizations have repeatedly failed to curb Russian aggression in Ukraine, the domestic courts of Ukraine are setting the bar high to render 'effective justice'.

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WITH the 100th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine having been completed,  Russia now effectively controls over 20% of the Ukrainian territory, and the war seems far from over. What started as a 'liberation' for Donbas, the south-eastern region of Ukraine, has wreaked havoc across the country with thousands of civilian and combatant casualties (with deaths being much higher than the official toll). 

The question of the hour seems to be revolving around the paralysis of international law and its diminishing significance during the devastation of an entire nation with the whole world watching. The imposition of sanctions by the West halted the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014, and it currently seems to adversely impact and isolate the Russian economy.   However, it is not enough to stop the current invasion. 

But the question remains – how and whom do we hold responsible for the ongoing catastrophe and how can we ensure accountability for illegal actions and justice being served?

Commendable measures, but with no result yet

The instrumentalities of international law have spared no time or effort in delivering what seems to be swift justice, while the war is still underway by the way of 'provisional measures'. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered the immediate suspension of the 'special military operation' and such a strong order is commendable.