Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – IBA deplores disregard for life and continued breaches of international law

Thursday 3 March 2022

The International Bar Association (IBA) – the global voice of the legal profession – reaffirms its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amidst alleged indiscriminate attacks on civilians and continued violations of international law. The IBA states that there is no legal justification for the action ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The IBA unconditionally supports the decision by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim A A Khan QC, to initiate an investigation based on his satisfaction that there is ‘a reasonable basis to believe that alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in Ukraine.’ Also, the IBA is in lockstep with the 38 countries that have referred Russia to the ICC over alleged war crimes committed during its invasion of Ukraine.

IBA President Sternford Moyo declared, ‘As I have stated earlier, there is no legal justification for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ICC should now take jurisdiction over the territory of Ukraine and by extension the acts of Russia.’

IBA Executive Director, Dr Mark Ellis, commented, ‘President Putin may see himself as untouchable. However, he cannot escape justice. Under international law, there is no impunity nor statute of limitations for the types of atrocities being committed in Ukraine’

The IBA has asked its member bars to provide united and visible support for Ukraine by condemning the invasion by Russia in the strongest form.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows compelling evidence of gross violations of international humanitarian law by Russian armed forces. As the violations escalate, the IBA has announced that:

• Until the appropriate time, no Russian government officials nor agencies will participate in IBA Committee events; and
• Until the appropriate time, no IBA event will be held in Russia.

ENDS