Training for Civil Society Organisations on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
The Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the French Red Cross, continues to implement an important educational initiative. The latest training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) for representatives of NGOs took place on 24-25 October 2024 in Uzhhorod.
The event was attended by delegates from leading human rights NGOs in Ukraine that specialise in combating various forms of violence and providing psychological and legal assistance to victims. The speaker for the training event was Nataliia Hendel, Associate Professor, a trainer with the Ukrainian Red Cross, a leading researcher at the State Scientific Institution “Institute of Information, Security and Law of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine,” and a researcher at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (2022-2024).
The purpose of the training is to equip participants with up-to-date knowledge on the legal definition of sexual violence in times of war, the classification of such crimes, the specifics of legal regulation, and to facilitate the exchange of experiences and the consolidation of joint efforts.
Training Programme on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Feedback from Participants
The agenda for the information and training sessions included the following topics:
- The legal definition of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)
- CRSV through the lens of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law
- CRSV and the legislation of Ukraine
- Ukraine’s experience in prosecuting CRSV crimes
- Judicial practices for prosecuting CRSV
- CRSV and transitional justice
- Working with victims of CRSV
- Compensation for damage caused by CRSV
In addition to the theoretical components, all participants engaged in practical exercises, research, and analysis of real cases.
“The training on CRSV, organised by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, was challenging but essential. I was particularly interested to learn about the definition of war crimes, their classification, and how they are reflected in our Criminal Code. The explanation of the differences between CRSV, gender-based violence, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation was especially useful. The trainer, Nataliia Hendel, is a highly professional expert in international humanitarian law and understands how it can be applied in the context of the war in Ukraine. The organisation of the training was also good. I am especially pleased that we now have all the materials, presentations, and even photos accessible via a QR code! Thank you for the invitation and collaboration!” shared Natalia Holynska, Anti-Trafficking Project Manager at Caritas Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Red Cross, in partnership with the French Red Cross, continues to implement important initiatives aimed at protecting war victims in Ukraine.
