Psychological support for the judiciary: the NSJU and US partners strengthen cooperation

Professional support and the psychological resilience of justice sector staff take on particular significance in a time of war. It is therefore important at this time to foster cooperation between Ukrainian and American partners and to strengthen support for Ukraine’s judicial system.

These issues were the focus of a working meeting between the team from the National School of Judges of Ukraine and representatives of the Ukrainian civil society organisation ‘Chaplain Patrol’ and the International Chaplain Patrol, whose delegation included American colleagues.

During the meeting, the Chief of Staff of the National School of Judges of Ukraine, Zenovii Kholodniuk, highlighted the increasing workload on the judiciary in Ukraine and the growing responsibility of the National School of Judges of Ukraine as the leading educational institution providing professional training for judges and court staff.

The Chief of Police for the city of Summerville (South Carolina, USA), Douglas Wright, highlighted NSJU's role in supporting and developing the chaplaincy movement in Ukraine. On behalf of the International Chaplain Patrol and the Ukrainian ‘Chaplain Patrol’, he expressed his gratitude to the School’s team for their efforts.

To strengthen the partnership, the American delegation presented the National School of Judges of Ukraine with a flag of the United States of America, donated by Congressman Rich McCormick. This flag flew over the Congress building (the Capitol) and is a diplomatic ‘symbol of special friendship and respect’ towards foreign partners, distinguished guests, military allies – in particular Ukrainian defenders and public figures – and international organisations.

Representatives of the International Chaplain Patrol also emphasised the support the US is providing to the Ukrainian people and highlighted the efforts being made in the US Congress to ensure this support.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views and reaffirm the commitment to continue cooperation between Ukrainian and American partners.