According to the official website of the Council of Europe, the Special Advisor to Council of Europe’s Secretary General (SASG) admitted that “the withdrawal of important national institutions and organisations from the Forum presents a risk that a comprehensive and inclusive discussion might not be ensured.”

The SASG has also taken note that several Ukrainian human rights organisations have recently expressed concerns regarding developments in the legal profession in Ukraine. He, therefore, called for a speedy and adequate resolution to be pursued, in the best interest of justice and for the ultimate benefit of the people of Ukraine.

May we remind that recently, on 21 September, the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union ceased cooperation with authorities of the National Bar Association of Ukraine because of bringing the advocates to disciplinary responsibility for expressing thoughts.