Ukraine is gradually transitioning from being the subject of international justice to becoming an active participant in it, which raises the issue of not only political but also personnel representation within the structures of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Given the increasingly important role of international criminal law, developing its own expertise has become a matter of strategic importance for the state. This position was articulated by Oleksiy Shevchuk, partner and spokesperson for Barristers Law Firm, in a comment for “Legal Practice.”

According to him, the key issue today lies not only in gaining support from the international community, but in Ukraine’s ability to offer its own contribution. “The time has come when we need to think not only about what the world will give us, but what we are ready to give to the world. This primarily involves systemic expertise and people who are capable of working effectively at the ICC,” he notes.

The expert emphasizes that the Court’s work is not limited solely to judges or prosecutors. “The ICC is a complex institutional mechanism that requires specialists in various fields: from OSINT analysts and evidence managers to language specialists and financial experts,” Oleksiy Shevchuk emphasizes. At the same time, in his assessment, Ukraine’s human resources in this area remain limited at present.

He draws particular attention to the difference between experience working with the European Court of Human Rights and the practices of the ICC. “Despite the existence of a robust ECHR school, international criminal justice has a different procedural logic, different standards of proof, and different requirements for specialists,” he explains.

In this context, Oleksiy Shevchuk proposes the creation of a specialized training center in Ukraine for international judicial institutions. According to him, such a center should provide comprehensive training for both practicing lawyers and analytical and technical staff, including training in evidence management, OSINT, language training, and ethical standards.

“This involves a systematic approach: from an academic foundation to practical integration into the work of international institutions. Ukraine has the potential, but it needs to be developed in a structured manner,” he notes.

At the same time, the expert emphasizes that the creation of such an institution must take place through collaboration between the state, educational institutions, and international partners. This approach is in line with global practices, particularly the experience of countries that are already investing in training personnel for international tribunals.

According to Oleksiy Shevchuk, the strategic significance of this initiative extends beyond personnel policy. “International criminal law will become one of the key areas of global policy in the 21st century. And being part of this system means not just formal participation, but a real ability to work and exert influence,” he emphasizes.