IBA condemns Russia's escalating and systematic attacks on Ukraine's civilians and civilian ...

Rescue workers put out a fire of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves during a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession , condemns Russia’s intensified attacks against Ukraine, including the deliberate and repeated targeting of civilians and civilian objects. Last night’s strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra – a symbol of Ukrainian history and UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 11th century – constitutes an attack on the cultural and spiritual heritage of Ukraine . The deliberate targeting carried out without regard to its protected status amounts to a violation of international humanitarian law, which affords special protection to cultural and religious sites during armed conflict. Consistent with its condemnation of Russia’s reckless indifference to the safety and protection of Ukraine’s civilian population, the IBA calls for an immediate cessation of such actions and reiterates its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, as well as its commitment to the protection of international law.

Claudio Visco , IBA President , commented: ‘The IBA urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease all unlawful attacks and comply fully with its obligations under the Geneva Conventions and other applicable international treaties. Attacks directed against hospitals, schools, residential areas, historical sites and critical infrastructure, not only inflict devastating human suffering but also undermine global peace and security. The IBA unequivocally denounces the intensified Russian attacks on civilians.’

Dr Mark Ellis , IBA Executive Director , said: ‘The recent attacks constitute egregious violations of international humanitarian law and demonstrate a blatant disregard for fundamental legal principles designed to protect human life, dignity and cultural identity and legacy during armed conflict. The international community must reaffirm its commitment to accountability by ensuring that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law are prosecuted through appropriate legal mechanisms. States should also support the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine recognising that the initial crime of aggression is a catalyst to all subsequent crimes.’

The IBA stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with legal professionals and human rights defenders working to document violations and uphold justice under difficult circumstances. This includes through the use of the IBA-founded eyeWitness to Atrocities , an app designed to support users in collecting verifiable digital evidence of international crimes and serious human rights violations.

: [email protected]

The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession , is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations , it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

The IBA acts as a connector, enabler, and influencer, for the administration of justice, fair practice, and accountability worldwide. The IBA has collaborated on a broad range of ground-breaking, international projects with the United Nations , the European Parliament , the Council of Europe , The Commonwealth , the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization , the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank , among others.

Press Office International Bar Association Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane London, WC2A 1QS United Kingdom

Mobile: +44 (0)7940 731 915 Main Office: +44 (0)20 7842 0090

Website page link for this news release:

Short link: tinyurl.com/5cy4zh5r Full link:

International Bar Association is incorporated as a Not-for-Profit Corporation under the laws of the State of New York in the United States of America and is registered with the Department of State of the State of New York with registration number 071114000655 - and the liability of its members is limited. Its registered address in New York is c/o Capitol Services Inc, 1218 Central Avenue, Suite 100, Albany, New York 12205.

The London office of International Bar Association is registered in England and Wales as a branch with registration number FC028342.