Like the rest of the civilised world, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers is horrified at the images emerging from Ukraine clearly evidencing the commission of war crimes. Everyone, but particularly those in leadership and serving in the armed forces, is obliged to respect human rights and uphold the Rule of Law. The deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and indiscriminate destruction of civilian property is inexcusable and an affront to humanity. The IATL calls on the international community and particularly, the United Nations and its Member States to ensure that the perpetrators of war crimes in the Ukraine are brought to justice – no matter how long it takes or what it costs.
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers is an elite group of trial lawyers representing both sides of the bar: plaintiffs’ and defendants’ counsel in civil litigation and prosecutors and defense lawyers in criminal cases. The Academy’s general purposes are to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reforms in the law, facilitate the Administration of Justice, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.
Paul Sreenan
IATL President