Impact Project: Ukraine

During 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Many were forced out of Ukraine and fled to Ireland for refuge.

PILA put out a call to our Alliance of lawyers and Pro Bono Pledge signatories to be part of PILA’s Ukraine Legal Panel, the aim of which was to provide legal support and assistance to those in need.

Ukraine Legal Panel

Some 48 lawyers came on board to offer their services (25 law firms, 5 individual solicitors and 18 barristers) and through this project, we provided 10 training sessions aimed to upskill lawyers on relevant topics.

Ukraine Resource Document

PILA is a member of the European Pro Bono Alliance (EPBA). One of the initiatives that the group has been working on is a Joint Ukraine Resource Document into which each country can provide input. It is a General Resource Document to help people fleeing from Ukraine and seeks to give information on how each country can Ukrainians entering their country, what services are available, what the applicable laws are and relief available to refugees. Our Sustaining Partner, Arthur Cox, assists PILA with updates as changes come about in Ireland. This project commenced in March 2022 and is on-going.

Ukraine Ireland Legal Alliance

UILA (Ukraine Ireland Legal Alliance) is working to provide an inclusive platform for the Irish legal community’s response to the unlawful invasion of Ukraine. This includes supporting

• Ukrainians
• people forced to flee the war in Ukraine, including lawyers
• justice and accountability for aggression, crimes against humanity, and war crimes
• suitable sanctions and redress against aggressors and those who are complicit.

The Alliance works with colleagues, civil society, and governments to provide an effective response and support, sharing information and legal expertise and comprises of individuals and organisations working in the Irish legal community. PILA is a member of the Alliance and also of the Steering group.

Ukraine Civil Society Forum

The Ukraine Civil Society Forum (UCSF) has 82 participating organisations. This initiative was convened by civil society in March 2022 acting collectively to support the emergency response and welcome of refugees from Ukraine to Ireland. Providing a space for the national coordination of civil society and community responses, connecting into the State’s response structures supporting reception and integration. The UCSF shares information, avoids duplication, identifies trends and patterns, including gaps in service provision and works together to share solutions, escalate issues where necessary to the Government and communicate with the public. PILA is proud to be a member of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum.