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May 6, 2026

'Soul Arbitration': NYC Bar Association Screens Documentary on Displacement of Women and Children by War in Ukraine

The New York City Bar Association hosted a screening of the documentary "Soul Arbitration" on April 30 at its Midtown headquarters, spotlighting the experiences of women and children displaced by the war in Ukraine.

The film features firsthand accounts of survival, separation and resilience, offering an intimate look at the human toll of conflict. Through personal testimony, it raises urgent legal and humanitarian questions surrounding the protection of civilians and the global response to refugee crises.

Following the screening, the film's director joined a panel of legal experts specializing in international humanitarian and human rights law to examine the issues raised. The discussion focused on how international legal frameworks address the realities of war, displacement and human suffering, and where gaps in protection remain.

Opening Remarks

Opening remarks were delivered by Christina Chelliah, a triple-qualified attorney in New York, England and Wales, and Malaysia.

Attendees hear from Victoria Ivasechko, president of the Ukrainian Bar Association

Attendees hear from Victoria Ivasechko, president of the Ukrainian Bar Association, who appeared remotely from Kyiv.

Expert Panel Discussion

Panelists included:

  • Professor Sophia Murashkovsky Romma, chair of the United Nations Committee at the New York City Bar Association
  • Christopher Pioch, former chair of the association's Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges
  • Dr. Ugoji Adanma Eze, chairman of the African Bar Association's Human Rights and Constitutional Law Committee
  • Margaret L. Satterthwaite, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
  • Victoria Ivasechko, chair of the International Law Committee of the Ukrainian Bar Association
  • Maria Kostytska, a Ukrainian attorney and barrister in England and Wales

The panel was moderated by Yveline L. Dalmacy, founder and CEO of the International Caribbean Women Alliance for Empowerment.

Yveline Dalmacy, Esq., Secretary of the United Nations Committee of the City Bar and moderator

Yveline Dalmacy, Esq., Secretary of the United Nations Committee and moderator

Christina Chelliah, keynote speaker

Christina Chelliah, advocate and solicitor of the High Court of England, Wales and Malaysia

Consul General Vladimir Bozovic with Professor Sophia Romma and other officials

Consul General of Serbia Vladimir Bozovic with Professor Sophia Romma, director of Soul Arbitration

The crowd attending the Soul Arbitration screening at the New York City Bar Association

The crowd attending the "Soul Arbitration" screening at the New York City Bar Association

Original article: amNY - Soul Arbitration: NYC Bar Association screens documentary on displacement of women and children by war in Ukraine