Training on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence for Lawyers and Advocates

The Ukrainian Red Cross, with the active support of the French Red Cross, organised a unique training on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) for lawyers and advocates.

Over two days, on 9 and 10 October 2024, in Uzhhorod, representatives from state authorities, practising lawyers, and advocates were introduced to global legal frameworks regarding rape and sexual violence in times of war, judicial proceedings in such cases, and compensation for damages. Participants also engaged in practical case studies.

The importance of discussing CRSV during the war in Ukraine

This training event was the first in a planned series of training sessions on conflict-related sexual violence. Each session is designed for a different target audience: lawyers and advocates, law school professors, representatives of human rights NGOs, judges and prosecutors.

Petro Dobromilskyi, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Children, was the guest of honour at the event. Speaking at the opening of the training, he expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society for organising such important events and emphasised:

“As unfortunate as it may be, cases of sexual violence against children often go unreported because the victims do not recognise that they have been subjected to it or blame themselves. That is why we need to tell the world more about the crimes committed by Russia. Future generations must be assured that their voices will be heard.”

The speaker for the information and training sessions was Salomé Cohen, a French lawyer specialising in international humanitarian law, human rights, and asylum law.

“I was honoured to discuss the vital and topical issue of rape and sexual violence in times of armed conflict with professionals in the fields of law, health and child protection in Ukraine. I would like to thank the French and Ukrainian Red Cross for organising these two days of training, which I hope will have provided useful insights for all the participants,” stated Salomé Cohen.