Strengthening victim-centred justice and judicial accountability in Ukraine
As Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of war and its far-reaching consequences, efforts to bolster its judicial system have become increasingly crucial. A new initiative spearheaded by the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) aims to address these challenges by enhancing victim rights through judicial accountability. This four-year project seeks to build a more victim-centred legal framework, ensuring that those affected by domestic crimes during times of war receive the support and justice they deserve.
Urgent need for a victim-centred approach
The ongoing war in Ukraine has placed immense pressure on the country’s judicial system. Beyond war crimes, the broader societal strain has led to a rise in domestic violence and other major offenses, necessitating a judicial response that is both effective and sensitive to victims’ needs. According to NHC Programme Officer Kate Shipley:
“One of the main focal points of this project is on making the judicial system more responsive to victims’ rights in criminal cases. While many current projects are targeting conflict-related crimes, our approach aims to strengthen the larger judicial system to handle domestic crimes.”
Victim-centred justice is a challenge in legal systems worldwide, but the current crisis in Ukraine exacerbates existing gaps. Many judicial actors lack the training necessary to handle cases with a victim-centred perspective. The initiative aims to fill this void by implementing targeted training programs for judges, prosecutors, legal professionals, and victim support providers, ensuring that the Ukrainian judicial system is equipped to protect and empower victims.
Key activities and objectives
To achieve lasting change, the project operates through a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. “One strength of the project is that it brings together a wide consortium of partners,” Shipley explained. This includes organizations in both Ukraine and the Netherlands, such as the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Judicial Training Academy, and key Ukrainian civil society groups. The core activities of the project are designed to create a sustainable and impactful framework for supporting victims and witnesses in Ukraine. Over the four-year period, the project will focus on five key areas: Training and Capacity Strengthening, Exchange and Collaboration, Enhancing Victim Support Services, establishing the Victim and Witness Coordination Centre and Public Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns.
The project will focus on Training and Capacity Strengthening through five workshops,and a curricular review to develop 2 specialised training modules at the National School of Judges and Prosecutors’ Training Center of Ukraine, to enhance knowledge transfer on victim preparation, witness protocol, and best practices. Exchange and Collaboration will involve study visits between Ukraine and the Netherlands for mutual knowledge-sharing on victim support services, and facilitation of a victim services inter-agency working group in Ukraine. Experts from the Netherlands will also support the Enhancing Victim Support Services component, by providing technical advisory on a selection of three service delivery improvements strengthening a newly established Victim and Witness Coordination Centre, focused on domestic violence, sexual offenses, human trafficking, and crimes against children. Additionally, Strategic Communication Initiatives will inform victims about their rights, judicial processes, and available support services. Together, these initiatives aim to build a more effective, victim-centred legal and support system in Ukraine.
Overcoming challenges and ensuring sustainability
Implementing a long-term human rights initiative in a conflict-affected country presents unique risks and obstacles.
“One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing war and the political landscape, which can impact judicial reforms and training accessibility,” Shipley noted.
However, by conducting comprehensive stakeholder mapping and baseline research, the project is designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving situation in Ukraine.
The long-term nature of the initiative is also a significant advantage.
“This project stands out because it’s a four-year initiative, which gives us the opportunity to create a real foundation for systemic change.”
By strengthening Ukraine’s judicial infrastructure now, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more resilient legal system, one that can continue to protect and support victims long after the war ends. Through collaborative action, training, and policy development, this project offers a path toward greater judicial accountability and a future where victims’ rights are upheld as a fundamental pillar of justice.
