Laura Henny

Job title:

Project Officer

Department:

Project Management

Focus regions:

Eastern Europe

I joined CILC in 2025 as a Project Officer. In my role, I work alongside colleagues to plan, implement, and report on projects focused on justice sector reform in Ukraine.

Experience and expertise

I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on government, law, and ethics, and an MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy. Before CILC I worked for several years on a USAID-funded project focused on reducing corruption and strengthening the health system in Ukraine.

Passion and vision

I feel strongly that international cooperation is a key part of building a more just, peaceful, and equitable world for all. Investing in capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in the justice sector helps drive sustainable improvements, strengthens the rule of law, and increases access for local communities.

Laura works on these projects

Eastern Europe

Advancing the Rule of Law in Ukraine: Strengthening the Judicial System and Freedom of Expression

Ukraine's rule of law faces mounting pressure from the ongoing conflict with Russia, resulting in an overburdened judiciary, weakened public trust, and growing threats to media freedom. This project addresses these challenges by strengthening the fairness and transparency of the Ukrainian justice system while building legal actors' capacity to protect freedom of expression.

Eastern Europe

Accountability I: Fair, Transparent, and Accountable Criminal Justice System in Ukraine

Ukraine's justice system faces significant challenges including corruption, low public trust, and overcrowded prisons, all further compounded by Russia's ongoing war. This project responded by strengthening judicial integrity, piloting alternative sanctions and probation, and supporting policy dialogue on accountability and EU accession.

Eastern Europe

Accountability II: Fair, Transparent, and Accountable Criminal Justice System in Ukraine

Ukraine's justice system faces mounting pressure from overwhelming caseloads, staff shortages, and the expanding scope of crimes arising from Russia's full-scale invasion. A critical gap remains in how the system addresses transitional justice, particularly regarding accountability for international crimes and the treatment of veterans — who may appear in the justice chain as victims, witnesses, perpetrators, or former POWs. This second phase of the project builds on earlier reforms to strengthen Ukraine's capacity to meet these complex and urgent challenges.