In the acceptance speech she noted, among other things: “I want to dedicate this award to all those who survived and decided to entrust me and my team at ULAG with the fight for their rights, for freedom, for their identity as representatives of the Ukrainian nation. Getting on this path of legal battles is difficult, and I admire their strength, courage and determination.

“I consider it my duty as a human rights lawyer to make sure that they get justice, regain their dignity and get the strength to continue living and building the Ukrainian nation, even if others say and do everything so that it does not exist.”
CCBE notes that “Nadia Volkova has demonstrated a consistent commitment to justice for those affected by crimes committed in armed conflict and has demonstrated her commitment to the rule of law, especially in times of uncertainty and upheaval.”
We are proud of Nadia and thank CCBE for the well-deserved recognition of her efforts and work!
We also congratulate the Ukrainian National Bar Association, co-laureates of the award!
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