The Permanent Missions of Estonia, Liechtenstein and Ukraine, together with co-sponsors, the Permanent Missions of Latvia, Lithuania and Costa Rica are organising a side-event on the margins of the International Law Week, entitled ’Law Not War: A Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression’.
When: Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Live webcast on UN Web TV
Opening Remarks: H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN
Keynote Remarks: Prof. Timothy Snyder, Yale University (TBC)
Panelists:
H.E. Anton Korynevych, Ambassador-at-Large of Ukraine for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression
H.E. Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the UN
H.E. Kristine Licis, Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Closing Remarks: Mr. Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine
Moderator: H.E. Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN
Background:
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a grave violation of the UN Charter. The UN General Assembly resolutions of 2 March and 7 October 2022 “Aggression against Ukraine” and “Territorial integrity of Ukraine: defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations” passed with overwhelming majorities and will stand out as landmarks in the history of the UN. Condemning Russian aggression – which includes the attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory – in unequivocal terms is of enormous significance that demonstrates the global indignation against Russia’s assault on the rules-based international order. It also lays the foundation for how the international community should respond: Holding those political and military leaders who have decided to commit the brazen aggression against Ukraine to account.
As the International Criminal Court cannot exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, an alternative accountability path has to be found. This side-event in the margins of International Law Week at the United Nations will explore relevant aspects of the creation of a Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression on the recommendation of the UN General Assembly.
