On 29 November, the High School of Public Governance conducted a training programme on ‘Transitional Justice: Goals and Mechanisms’ for specialists from administrative service centres. This short-term professional development programme, developed in cooperation with the Hague Academy of Local Government, UpRights and the T.M.C. Asser Institute Knowledge Centre, was aimed at providing public servants with practical knowledge and skills to work in a post-conflict environment.

Yuliia Lykhach, Head of the High School of Public Governance, welcomed the participants of the training. She noted the relevance of the course due to the importance of introducing transitional justice instruments into the activities of state authorities and local self-government bodies, its objectives and opportunities for introducing transitional justice instruments in Ukraine.

The programme covered the theoretical foundations and practical mechanisms of transitional justice. Particular attention was paid to such topics as damage accounting and victim support, ethical communication with war veterans and their families, and the adaptation of international experience to Ukrainian realities. Participants modelled scenarios for resolving conflict situations and studied the main challenges that arise in the occupied and de-occupied territories.

The programme helped ASC specialists to better understand the goals of transitional justice, assess the effectiveness of its mechanisms, and learn the necessary tools to develop response strategies. Such initiatives are a significant step towards building the capacity of the authorities to ensure justice and public trust in state institutions.