The Clinic, along with its partners International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, and Truth Hounds, have released a briefing paper: “Russia’s New Front: Weaponising Counter-Claims in the Ukraine v Russia ICJ Genocide Proceedings.”
The briefing paper examines how the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) recent decision in the Ukraine v. Russian Federation case risks undermining the Court’s procedures and distorting the purpose of the Genocide Convention. It explains how admitting Russia’s counter-claims allows Russia to recast the proceedings into a wide‑ranging attack on Ukraine, offering a powerful example of how legal procedures can be twisted to punish a victim rather than hold an aggressor to account.
Designed for decision-makers and legal practitioners, the briefing paper also offers concrete steps to “mitigate damage, preserve procedural fairness, and prevent misuse of counter-claims.” It urges the Court and third-party States to draw clearer lines around the appropriate use of counter-claims, and to exercise discretion to prevent abusive tactics.
More broadly, the paper seeks to safeguard the legitimacy of international courts and the Genocide Convention so that they remain effective tools for protection and accountability.