The Public Council of International Experts (PCIE) is established by the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine (HQCJ) to assist in preparing decisions on appointment of judges to the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). The PCIE functions as an auxiliary body of the HQCJ.
The term of office for the PCIE members is 18 months. The PCIE ensures that candidates for positions of judges of the HACC comply with the criteria of integrity, knowledge, and practical skills.
Members of the Public Council of International Experts are individuals with impeccable reputation, exceptional professional and moral qualities, recognized public authority, as well aa at least five years of international experience in procedural management, state prosecution, or adjudication in corruption-related cases.
Authorities of the PCIE:
1) The PCIE collects, verifies, and analyzes information about candidates for positions of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court;
2) The PCIE provides the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine with information about candidates for positions of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court;
3) The PCIE participates in special joint meetings as stipulated by this Law;
4) The PCIE takes measures to protect personal data and information with restricted access that become known to the Public Council of International Experts or its members during performance of their authorities.
For more details on the legal framework governing the PCIE’s functions and authorities, refer to the Law on the High Anti-Corruption Court (link to Article 9)
History of the PCIE’s Functioning:
The first composition of the PCIE commenced its work during establishment of the High Anti-Corruption Court in 2018. For the first time the Ukrainian legislation introduced a Council composed of international experts tasked with evaluating candidates based on the criterion of integrity. Successful implementation of this competition model in 2018 laid the groundwork for continued participation of international experts in the reform of Ukraine’s justice system.
STAGES OF THE COMPETITION TO HACC*
Anonymous testing (on the knowledge of the legislation and cognitive abilities);
Practical assignment;
Special checks of candidates;
Public interviews with candidates (including joint meetings with the PCIE*).
4. Selection of Competition Winners
The HQCJ selects the winners and submits recommendations to the HCJ*.
5. HCJ Reviews Candidates
The HCJ conducts interviews with the candidates recommended by the HQCJ and takes decisions regarding their appointment
6. Submission to the President
The HCJ submits a proposal to the President for the appointment.
7. The President Appoints Judges
The President signs the decree appointing judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court within 30 days of receiving the HCJ’s proposal.
*HACC – High Anti-Corruption Court
*HQCJ – High Qualification Commission of Judges
*PCIE – Public Council of International Experts
*HCJ – High Council of Justice
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