Illia Chernohorenko

Affiliations: Illia Chernohorenko is a part-time DPhil (PhD) Law candidate at the University of Oxford's Law Faculty, concurrently serving as a research resident at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights (since January 2025) and affiliated with Regent's Park College. His roles combine academic research with impactful policy work.

Professional Background: Previously served as Director-General for the Rule of Law Directorate at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine (2018–2019) and legal reform consultant to the Ukrainian President (2019–2020). Held positions including Senior Assistant to the President of Ukraine's Supreme Court and representative to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) network. Served as a Visiting Professional at the International Criminal Court (2020–2021).

Education:

• Part-time DPhil in Law, University of Oxford (2023–present)
• Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law, University of Oxford (2021)
• Chevening Scholar, LLM in International Dispute Resolution, Queen Mary University of London (2017)
• Visiting Fellowship, University of Bristol (2022–2023)

Research Focus: Specializes in repurposing aggressor states' assets for human rights redress, ECtHR jurisprudence, inter-state applications, and post-war recovery mechanisms. Combines legal theory with practical reform projects in judicial systems across Europe and Asia. Current work emphasizes Ukraine's legal strategies in the ECtHR and asset recovery frameworks.

Awards and Recognition:

• Chevening Scholarship (2017)

Grants and Advising: Managed justice sector reforms for international organizations including the Council of Europe, EU, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Advised on online court systems, judicial dialogue initiatives, and Protocol 16 implementation under the ECtHR. Active participant in the European Law Institute's asset seizure expert group led by Sir Geoffrey Vos.

Labs and Collaborations: Engaged with the Bonavero Institute's human rights research programs and PIL Research Seminars. Collaborates with global institutions on ECtHR compliance and post-conflict legal frameworks. Regular speaker at high-profile venues including UK Parliament, Cambridge, Leiden, and the Bar Council of England and Wales.