Ukraine Must Prepare Its Own Specialists for the International Criminal Court – Expert Opinion

In Ukraine, a significant initiative has surfaced concerning the training of professionals for roles within the International Criminal Court (ICC). Alexey Shevchuk, a partner at Barristers Law Firm, has voiced the necessity of establishing a Center for Training Specialists capable of providing systematic expertise and facilitating effective operations within the ICC. According to Shevchuk, international criminal law is poised to become one of the pivotal areas of policy in the 21st century, making it crucial for Ukraine to cultivate well-trained professionals in this field.

Shevchuk underscored that the ICC requires a diverse range of specialists to support its operations. He pointed out the pressing need for coordinators in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), linguistic analysts, financial experts, evidence management specialists, and even cyber intelligence professionals. The court functions as a vast organism, necessitating dozens of highly qualified specialists across various domains for its effective operation. Unfortunately, Shevchuk lamented that Ukraine currently has only a handful of such professionals. He noted that even if ten qualified specialists could be found who are ready to begin working in The Hague, it would be an optimistic forecast.

At the same time, the expert emphasized that while Ukraine boasts a strong tradition in the practices of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the ICC operates in a distinctly different realm. The procedural logic, the role of evidence, and the mechanisms for information gathering differ significantly. Shevchuk highlighted the court's need for practical skills related to international criminal proceedings, an understanding of military operations, and linguistic competence at the level of technical translation of international terminology. This creates a highly specialized environment where Ukraine must find its niche.

Commenting on potential steps towards establishing a Center for Training Specialists for the ICC, Shevchuk noted that such a center should encompass several directions. Firstly, it should include a program for training practicing lawyers, including investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Secondly, there should be a program aimed at training technical and analytical personnel, such as OSINT specialists, evidence managers, translators, and data auditors. Additionally, a program for language and ethical training, tailored to the standards of The Hague, is also crucial.

Shevchuk pointed out that Ukraine possesses a robust academic foundation; however, scholars also need a team capable of quickly integrating into the practical workings of the court. He cited Canada as an example, which established the Canadian Centre for International Justice, designed to prepare lawyers and analysts specifically for international tribunals. In the expert's opinion, Ukraine requires something similar, which would involve partnerships among universities, government bodies, and the ICC itself. This could be a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Furthermore, Shevchuk indicated that in the coming decades, Ukraine's focus will undoubtedly shift towards The Hague. Therefore, the country needs not just symbolic but real specialists. This is not merely a matter of prestige but also of competence: either Ukraine develops its own specialists, or others will do it for them. The lawyer concluded that Ukraine must urgently address the training of specialists for the ICC to avoid being sidelined in significant international processes.