Guest Lecture Series Launched in Lviv: First On-Site Sessions Held

On 2 March 2026, the T.M.C. Asser Institute, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Catholic University and Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, successfully delivered the first two on-site lectures in Lviv as part of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure for Ukrainian Law Schools (IUP 2.0). This initiative is developed within the framework of the “Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine” consortium project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The inaugural lectures were delivered by Dr Gabrielė Chlevickaitė, Senior Researcher in International Criminal Law and Coordinator of MATRA-Ukraine 2025-2029 and Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine (Asser component), and Gabriela Radu, Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Institute. 

The sessions addressed key issues of accountability under international criminal law, with a particular focus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The lecture topics included: 

• Substantive ICL: War Crimes;
• The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine: Challenges and Perspectives 

The lectures aimed to explore complex legal questions surrounding accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine, while broadening the academic perspectives of law students at Ukrainian universities. 

These sessions mark the beginning of a 12-lecture series. Upcoming lectures by international experts will cover: 

• 14 April 2026, 12:00 - 13:30 EET (Kyiv): The Law of Immunity and Accountability of State Officials for International Crimes; 
• (TBC): Architecture of the System of International Criminal Justice;
• (TBC): Substantive ICL: Crimes against Humanity;
• (TBC): Substantive ICL: Genocide;
• (TBC): Procedural ICL: Evidence in Proceedings Involving International Crimes;
• (TBC): The Right to a Fair Trial in International Crimes Cases (Ukraine);
• (TBC): Crimes against Cultural Heritage in International Criminal Law;
• (TBC): Corporate Criminal Responsibility for International Crimes;
• (TBC): Prosecuting Environmental Crimes: The Ukrainian Context;
• (TBC): The Right to Reparations for Ukrainian Victims: The Register of Damage and International Claims Commission. 

The Asser Institute will continue to tailor the programme to the needs of Ukrainian law students and ensure alignment with contemporary developments in international criminal law, as well as with teaching methodologies used by academic staff in Ukraine. 

[About the Project: Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine] 

This initiative forms part of the broader “Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine” programme, which focuses on advancing accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. The programme is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by the International Development Organisation (IDLO), in partnership with the T.M.C. Asser Institute, the Centre for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC).