Justice Conference 2026: Advancing Accountability and Restoring Justice for Ukraine

On 23 February 2026, Kyiv hosted the international Justice Conference, a high-level platform dedicated to strengthening international accountability mechanisms and advancing practical steps toward restoring justice for Ukraine.

The Conference brought together representatives of the Government of Ukraine, international institutions, diplomatic missions, legal experts, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and international partners. The event was organised by the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, NGO Tribunal (Ukraine), and Justice and Accountability for Ukraine (United Kingdom).

From Political Declarations to Legal Mechanisms

The central focus of the Conference was the transition from documenting crimes and damages to implementing concrete legal instruments. Discussions addressed:

• The establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine

• The development of an effective international compensation mechanism

• Strengthening the Register of Damage

• Practical steps for the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children

Opening the Conference, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov emphasised the strategic importance of accountability:

“Peace without accountability is merely a pause in hostilities, not a solution to the problem. Peace without consequences for the aggressor is an invitation for repetition in different parts of the world.”

Justice for Victims and the Return of Ukrainian Children

A dedicated panel focused on the unlawful deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska highlighted the human dimension of justice:

“They must know that they were searched for, that they were awaited, that they are needed and important. Yet there is something without which healing is impossible — and that is justice.”

Participants stressed that accountability must include both criminal responsibility and compensation mechanisms funded by the aggressor state’s assets.

A Civil Society Commitment to Accountability

Speaking on behalf of the organising civil society partners, the Director of NGO Tribunal underlined the role of independent initiatives in driving forward international justice efforts:

“Justice requires persistence, coordination and courage. Civil society plays a critical role in transforming political commitments into legal mechanisms. Our task is to ensure that accountability for the crime of aggression moves from discussion to institutional reality.”

The Director noted that sustained international cooperation is essential to operationalise the Special Tribunal and compensation architecture.

Justice as a Foundation for Sustainable Peace

The Conference reaffirmed that accountability for the crime of aggression and other international crimes is essential not only for Ukraine, but for the credibility of international law and the security architecture of Europe and the wider world.

As emphasised during the discussions:

“Justice must not be a declaration, but a real and effective instrument.”

International Coordination and Next Steps

Justice Conference 2026 served as a coordination platform for political and legal decisions aimed at operationalising key mechanisms. Participants confirmed their commitment to:

• Advancing the creation of the Special Tribunal

• Accelerating work on compensation architecture

• Enhancing international cooperation in documenting and prosecuting international crimes

The event demonstrated the growing international consensus that justice for Ukraine is a prerequisite for restoring the rules-based international order.

NGO Tribunal remains committed to working with international partners to ensure that accountability mechanisms move from discussion to implementation — and that justice for victims becomes a tangible reality.

Video is available here