Cyprus’s experience for the Ukrainian justice system: NSJU to develop cooperation with the Cyprus Judicial Training School

How can effective protection of human rights and justice be ensured in the context of a protracted territorial conflict and occupation? The Ukrainian judicial community will explore responses to these challenges by drawing on the experience of the Republic of Cyprus.

On 10 September 2026, a meeting was held at the National School of Judges of Ukraine with Andreas I. Zapounidis, Consular and Economic Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Ukraine, during which the prospects for cooperation between the countries’ judicial schools were discussed.

The meeting was attended by Zenovii Kholodniuk, Chief of Staff of the National School of Judges of Ukraine; Viktoriia Semeniuk, Head of the International Cooperation Department; Yelyzaveta Kovtiuk, Lecturer-Coordinator of the Teacher (Trainer) Training Department; and Kateryna Hluschenko, Senior Research Fellow.

The parties discussed opportunities for developing cooperation between the National School of Judges of Ukraine and the Cyprus Judicial Training School, in particular the exchange of experience in the field of judicial education, the organisation of training events and the professional development of judges.

Particular attention was paid to the Republic of Cyprus’s experience in matters relating to the prolonged occupation of part of its territory and the protection of human rights. Andreas I. Zapounidis proposed using this experience for professional exchanges with Ukrainian judges and justice system staff.

Of particular interest to Ukraine are the legal approaches to protecting the rights of persons affected by a protracted territorial conflict, as well as the practice of the European Court of Human Rights in hearing such cases.

Such experience is relevant to the Ukrainian judicial system given the need to ensure effective protection of human rights and the proper administration of justice in the context of the temporary occupation of part of Ukraine’s territory. Studying Cyprus’s practices could become an important component of the professional training of judges who hear cases related to the consequences of armed aggression and occupation.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their dialogue and to explore specific formats for further cooperation. Potential areas of cooperation include organising joint training events, exchanging experience between judicial academies, and involving Cypriot experts in judicial training programmes in Ukraine.