Councel
Dr. Nataliia Hendel
Dr. Nataliia Hendel is a prominent legal scholar and lead expert in public international law, specializing in international humanitarian law and transitional justice. Building on her extensive tenure at the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine and her high-level research at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, she provides exceptional analytical depth to complex legal challenges. Nataliia plays a pivotal role in Ukraine’s legal framework development, advising European Union and Council of Europe projects on justice sector reform, human rights protection, and environmental security during armed conflict. Her expertise seamlessly bridges fundamental academic excellence with practical experience in executing large-scale international legal initiatives.
Jurisdictions:
- Odesa - Primary Office
- Kyiv
- EU jurisdictions & international arbitration forums
Languages:
- English
- Ukrainian
- Russian
Expertise
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) & Law of Armed Conflict
- Detailed analysis of the legal status of territories, objects, and persons during armed conflicts.
- Legal qualification of incidents at sea and on land under international law standards.
Transitional Justice & Conflict Recovery
- Development of legal frameworks for post-conflict recovery and accountability mechanisms.
- Advisory on justice sector reforms in line with EU and international standards.
International Human Rights Law (IHRL)
- Protection of human rights in extraordinary circumstances, including occupied territories and zones of active hostilities.
Environmental Protection & Peacebuilding
- Legal advisory on the protection of the natural environment during and after armed conflicts.
- Liability for environmental damage (ecocide) and recovery strategies.
Information Law & Security
- Legal aspects of cybersecurity and information protection within the framework of international security and national legislation.
Public International Law Advisory
- Expert legal opinions for international organizations (EU, Council of Europe, Red Cross) and state bodies.
Education
- National University of Odesa Law Academy - MPhD, International Law
- International Humanitarian University - Master's degree, International law
Experience
- Leading Researcher, Institute of Information, Security and Law of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine.
- Coordinator of the Analytical Direction, Ukraine 5 AM Coalition.
- Expert, EU Project “Pravo-Justice”.
- Research Fellow, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (2022–2024).
- Expert & Trainer on IHL and Transitional Justice for the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, Training Centre for Prosecutors of Ukraine, and the Higher School of Public Administration.
- Working Group Expert, Council of Europe Programme for Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP).
- Member of Ukraine’s Interdepartmental Commission for the Implementation of IHL (2015–2017) and current member of the working group on environmental protection during armed conflict.
Sectors
- Public International Law & Governance
- International Security & Defense
- Environmental Protection & Recovery
- Justice Sector Reform
Practice Areas
- International Humanitarian Law
- International Human Rights Law
- Transitional Justice & Conflict Resolution
- Advisory on War Risks & International Sanctions
- Advisory to International and European Institutions on Ukrainian Justice Reform and Humanitarian Legislation
- Information Law & Cybersecurity Strategy
Recognition and Professional Memberships
- Head of the Centre for International Humanitarian Law, Ukrainian Association of International Law.
- Advisory Board Member, GROMADA project (recovery of Ukraine’s environment).
- Member, European Society of International Law (ESIL).
- Member, Environmental Peacebuilding Association.
- Member, Ukrainian Association of International Law.
- Expert, Fundamental Research Support Fund.