11.08.2026
As part of the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine project, implemented jointly with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, the Summer School for students and postgraduate students of higher education establishments “Constitutional Democracy, Social Protection and Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel” was held in Zakarpattia region on 3–8 August 2026.
The School brought together leading Ukrainian and foreign scholars, experts in constitutional and European law, a judge of the European Court of Human Rights, national judges and representatives of public authorities as lecturers. Judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oksana Hryshchuk, Viktor Kychun, Vasyl Lemak, Oleksandr Petryshyn and Serhiy Riznyk, Oleksandr Vodiannikov, as well as Oleksii Hanzha, Adviser to a Judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, took part in the event.
The programme covered three key areas: maintaining the resilience of institutions of constitutional democracy and the rule of law under martial law; constitutional guarantees of social protection of citizens during wartime; and legal mechanisms for safeguarding the rights of military personnel.
During panel sessions and practical classes, participants of the Summer School discussed a number of important issues concerning the protection of human rights and freedoms in wartime. Particular attention was paid to the constitutional right to social protection, legal argumentation in cases concerning the protection of the rights of military personnel, and safeguards of the right to a fair trial.
The discussions also addressed Ukraine’s European integration, gender aspects of social rights, derogation, and the limits of restrictions on human rights under martial law. An important part of the programme focused on contemporary wartime challenges, including the impact of digital technologies, protection of freedom of expression in countering disinformation and hostile propaganda, as well as the functioning of the Constitution in times of war.
The comprehensive presentation of the theoretical foundations was complemented by contributions from Judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. Judge Oleksandr Petryshyn gave an in-depth presentation on the importance of constitutional democracy institutions in the practice of the CCU. Judge Oksana Hryshchuk focused on the principles of the rule of law as reflected in the legal positions of the CCU. A lively discussion was prompted by the topic proposed by Judge Vasyl Lemak, “Military Personnel, War and Constitutional Democracy: What Discourse Is Being Shaped by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine?” Judge Oleksandr Vodiannikov explored the concept of “time as a constitutional category.” Judge Serhiy Riznyk spoke to the participants about the specific features and admissibility criteria for constitutional complaints during martial law. Judge Viktor Kychun presented theoretical and practical aspects of the restoring effect of CCU decisions.
Summing up the work of the School, the lecturers noted the high level of preparation, active participation and profound knowledge demonstrated by the young professionals. The event concluded with a formal presentation of certificates to all participants of the XIV Summer School.
