The second preparatory meeting on an international instrument to establish a Claims Commission for Ukraine took place in The Hague on 12-13 September 2024. The event, organised by the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U), saw participation from 57 delegations representing all continents.
Following the first meeting held in July, discussions focused on the framework for establishing the Claims Commission, including the types of foundational instruments. Delegates exchanged views on lessons learned from previous bodies, such as the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC).
The meeting also featured the first reading of a “zero draft” of the proposed international instrument for the Claims Commission, providing participants the opportunity to exchange views on its provisions. Broad support emerged for advancing the process, with plans for a third preparatory meeting scheduled for November 2024.
Dr. René Lefeber, Legal Advisor and Head of the International Law Division of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired the meeting.
Background
The Register of Damage for Ukraine – the first component of a compensation mechanism for Ukraine – commenced operations on 2 April 2024 by opening for the submission of claims through the digital system Diia, focusing initially on damage and destruction of housing. To date, several thousand claims have been submitted to the Register. The Register is preparing to open for the submission of claims in 12 additional categories, including loss of life and disappearance, involuntary internal displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure.
In accordance with Article 2.5 of its Statute, the Register, through its Executive Director and with the support of its Secretariat, is mandated to participate in and facilitate, as appropriate, the work aimed at the establishment of the Compensation Mechanism, including a claims commission.
