The Future of Ukraine: Human Rights and Legal Reforms
The Ukraine event that was held on December 6, aimed to discuss the promotion of human rights and legal reforms in Ukraine, particularly in light of the ongoing war and Russian aggression.
Bård Vegar Solhjell, the Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), who outlined Norwegian aid priorities within the Nansen Support Program for Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its efforts to comply with human rights and move forward with legal reforms.
Erik Møse, the Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, delivered a keynote speech with valuable insights into the human rights situation in Ukraine and the work to address war crimes and other breaches of international law.
Yuriy Belousov, Head of the War Crimes Department at the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, participated digitally in the event. His speech shed light on war crimes being committed and the need for international support in holding those responsible accountable.
Following the keynote speeches, a panel discussion took place, moderated by Bjørn Engesland, Senior Advisor at NCHR. The panel included Geir Flikke, Professor at the Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages at UiO, Nataliya Yeremeyeva, advisor at the European Wergeland Centre and Deputy Head of The Ukrainian Association in Norway, and Trine Lise Sundnes, a member of Parliament from the Labor Party. Knut D. Asplund, Head of the NCHR International Department’s work on Rule of Law, also participated in the discussion.
The panellists explored various ways in which Norway and the international community can promote the protection of human rights and legal reforms in Ukraine. Their discussions covered topics such as the role of education, the importance of international cooperation and support, and the need for legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable.
Overall, the event provided a platform for experts to discuss ongoing human rights challenges in Ukraine and propose strategies for countering corruption and promoting the rule of law. It also highlighted the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding human rights and promoting peace and stability in Ukraine and Europe.
The Israel-Palestine war and its consequences for the international legal order
NCHR’s second event took place on December 11, and addressed the legal implications of the recent events in the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the wake of the attack by Hamas and Israel's subsequent response in the Gaza Strip.
Bård Anders Andreassen, the Director of NCHR, set the context for the discussions by highlighting the need to understand the dynamics of the conflict between Israel and non-state armed movements such as Hamas. As claims of serious breaches of international law have emerged, the event aimed to clarify legal definitions and implications of terms like 'war crimes,' 'genocide,' 'right to self-defence,' and 'collective punishment' within the framework of international law.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, provided perspectives from the ground, shedding light on the humanitarian impact of the conflict. He highlighted the escalating death tolls, displacement of Palestinians, as well as the catastrophic impact on children and families.
The event also included a panel conversation with esteemed experts in international law. The panel included Cecilia M. Bailliet, Director of the Masters Program in International Law at UiO and the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity, Michael Lynk, Professor Emeritus and former UN Special Rapporteur for the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory Occupied since 1967 and Professor Nils A. Butenschøn and Professor Gentian Zyberi, both with the NCHR. The panel discussion was moderated by Sigrid Redse Johansen, Judge Advocate General.
The panellists discussed various legal issues related to armed conflict and military occupation, in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The scholars also addressed issues related to the prospects for application of international criminal law in the aftermath of the war in Gaza, and whether this can contribute to advancing peace.
Through discussion and analysis, the event aimed to promote awareness and highlight the role of international law in promoting peace and justice in the region.