Training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence for Ukrainian Prosecutors and Judges

Recently, a specialised training and information event for Ukrainian prosecutors and judges organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross in cooperation with the French Red Cross has been held.

The training on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) took place from 12 to 13 November 2024 in the Zakarpattia region. Representatives from the prosecutor’s office and judiciary attended the event. The event aimed to discuss the issue of sexual violence during the war in Ukraine, share practical experience in court proceedings involving such cases, and provide a comprehensive overview of national legislation and international standards in this area.

The speaker at the event was Olha Poiedynok, a trainer from the Ukrainian Red Cross, a lawyer with a PhD in Law, Associate Professor in the Department of International Law at the Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and Head of the Public Council at the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

“The success of any educational event depends primarily on the participants: their motivation, level of expertise, practical experience, personal qualities, and so on. This time, I was certainly fortunate: the group quickly absorbed new information, combined it with their existing knowledge, and applied theoretical concepts to real-life situations. In addition to CRSV, we also had time to address a broader range of issues in the areas of international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights protection, as well as the general application of international law within the Ukrainian legal system. Naturally, the changes resulting from Ukraine’s recent ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court were also covered. However, the most important outcome of the training was that the participants were able to discuss the challenges they face in their daily work and share their practical experiences with each other,” stated Olha Poiedynok.

Overview of the Training Programme on CRSV for Judges and Prosecutors. Feedback from Participants

The training programme covered key issues related to the definition of conflict-related sexual violence and the nuances of its legislative regulation. In particular, participants were introduced to and took part in discussions on the following aspects:

• The international legal framework for the criminalisation of CRSV.
• The implementation of international law on the criminalisation of CRSV in national legislation: the experience of foreign countries and Ukrainian practice.
• The specific challenges of working with victims of CRSV.
• Guarantees of a fair trial in cases of international crimes: international obligations and Ukrainian legislation.
• The theoretical component of the training was complemented by practical exercises in expert groups, which involved simulated situations followed by a discussion of the results.

“I am grateful to the Ukrainian Red Cross for organising and conducting the training. I thank my colleagues for sharing their knowledge and experience, for their active engagement and communication!” This was the feedback from Yevhen Naumenko, Prosecutor at the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, regarding his participation in the event.

The Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the French Red Cross, continues to implement a vital educational initiative on the issue of sexual violence during war, involving human rights defenders, law school lecturers, lawyers, attorneys, and other expert groups in the training.