The informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe (Riga Conference) is organised within the framework of the Latvian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, jointly by the Ministry of Justice of Latvia and the Council of Europe. It is open to all Member States and Observer States of the Council of Europe, as well as invited guests.
The primary focus of the Conference is to discuss the implementation of the decisions taken during the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 17 May 2023. The aim is to explore how the Council of Europe can enhance its contribution in supporting Ukraine's justice system and re-establishing the international legal order by ensuring comprehensive accountability amidst the backdrop of the Russian Federation's aggression.
The Riga Conference comprises three sessions. Session 1 revolves around ensuring comprehensive accountability in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression, featuring the launch of the "Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine". Moreover, it includes discussions around the establishment of an international tribunal for the crime of aggression and an international compensation mechanism. Session 2 addresses the support provided to the resilience of Ukraine's justice system during times of war and post-war reconstruction. The debate focuses on the investigation of Russia’s war crimes, as well as on the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine and the pledging of additional support. Lastly, Session 3 is dedicated to the topic of reuniting families and restoring hope, with a specific focus on supporting Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and Belarus.