Celebrating Baroness Helena Kennedy's Prestigious Honour

We are thrilled and proud to announce that Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws LT KC, Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and a founding member of Doughty Street Chambers, has been awarded the Order of Merit of Ukraine of the III degree by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This prestigious honour was conferred on Ukraine's Independence Day, Sunday 24 August 2025, making Baroness Kennedy the first individual from the UK to receive this accolade from President Zelenskyy. 

Commenting on the award, Baroness Kennedy said, "I am deeply humbled to receive this Honour and I accept it on behalf of all my colleagues in the law who are seeking justice in our troubled world. I have been privileged to work with Andriy Yermak and the rest of the President's team on the tragedy that has befallen the Ukrainian people at the hands of Russia. The abduction of a nation's children is such a vicious way of inflicting pain on a population. The war crimes being committed by Russia are grievous. The conduct of Putin would leave most people in total despair, but Ukrainians have been resolute in their struggle for freedom and justice. They have been an inspiration to me, and I am constantly reminded why tyranny has to be confronted as I watch President Zelenskyy deal with the slings and arrows that come his way. I send my admiration and gratitude to Ukraine and hope that an end to this war of aggression ends in genuine peace and justice".

Baroness Kennedy's recognition with the Order of Merit of Ukraine is a testament to her unwavering dedication and impactful work, including a Co-chair of the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force on deported Ukrainian children and role on the Ukraine government's Legal Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine. 

Edward Fitzgerald KC, Founding Head of Doughty Street Chambers, says: 

“We are truly delighted that our wonderful colleague  Helena has been awarded this great honour for her tireless work in championing the noble cause of Ukrainian independence. She truly represents a beacon of hope and a fearless champion of human rights in this increasingly dark world. Her tireless work for human rights and the rule of law is truly inspirational to her colleagues, the legal community, and indeed oppressed people in so many countries throughout the world.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Helena on this well-deserved honour and look forward to her continued contributions to the cause of justice and human rights.

Read more here.