Developing a Victim-Centred Justice Approach: Moot Court on Compensation for Damaged Property with Use of Open Source Evidence in Ukrainian Civil Law

Ukraine Legal Network is hosting a Moot Court in “Ivashchuk vs Russian Federation” Case.

Date: 21 October, 17:15 – 20:00
Location: University of Amsterdam (UvA), Moot Court Room A3.15
Language: Ukrainian

Ukraine continues its pursuit of justice, even in the toughest of circumstances, and this innovative moot court on compensation for damaged property using open source evidence under Ukrainian civil law is an important step towards seeking justice.

Moot Court is a simulation of legal proceedings, and this innovative session organised by Ukraine Legal Network together with our partners OSINT For Ukraine offers participants an opportunity to delve into the complexity and intricacies of international legal regulations and Ukrainian legislation, focusing on human rights violations and compensation for damages caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The court session will also highlight the use of OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) evidence in legal proceedings to support claims and hold perpetrators accountable. 

This session will cover the case of “Ivashchuk vs Russian Federation” on compensation for destroyed property in the occupied territories.

Partner:
Our partner is OSINT for Ukraine Foundation, which plays a crucial role in supporting the investigation and evidence gathering for this case. OSINT for Ukraine specialises in using OSINT to document war crimes and human rights violations. Their work is instrumental in collecting the evidence needed to pursue justice for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

About the “Ivashchuk vs Russian Federation” Case

• Plaintiff (fictional person): Mariya Ivashchuk, a Ukrainian citizen who lost her home in Mariupol due to Russian military actions and the occupying administration.
• Defendant: the Russian Federation.

The case revolves around a claim for compensation for the destruction of the plaintiff’s home, including material damage and emotional distress. A key element of the case is the use of OSINT evidence and digital materials to prove property destruction in areas inaccessible due to occupation.

Case overview:
In February 2022, Mariya Ivashchuk and her family were forced to flee Mariupol after the Russian invasion. Their apartment was damaged in the shelling and later completely destroyed. Now, a new residential complex has been built on the site of her former home without any involvement of the rightful owners.

Key legal challenges:
1. Overcoming Russia’s legal immunity.
2.Using digital evidence to prove the destruction of the property.
3. Seeking rightful compensation for the destroyed and demolished home.

The plaintiff’s lawyers will present solid evidence and arguments about the violation of Mariya Ivashchuk’s property rights.

Why This Case Matters:
1. Harmonisation of Ukrainian legislation with international norms: The use of OSINT evidence in Ukrainian courts is important when the access to evidence is limited.
2. Protecting the rights of war victims: Restoring justice is possible through filing lawsuits to protect the rights of victims.
3. Studying complex legal precedents: This case will clearly demonstrate how referring to the international law practices  can help victims secure compensation for their losses.

Why This Moot Court is Special:
This event will show how the international and Ukrainian legal systems and judiciary respond to victims’ requests for the protection of their rights and legitimate interests in situations where access to evidence is limited due to military actions.

Join us as free audience!  

Register here: Registration Form

Don’t miss out on the chance to engage with a real-world legal scenario and witness how modern law operates in cases of Russian aggression.

We look forward to seeing you on 21 October at the University of Amsterdam!