In the face of the ongoing war, Ukrainian law enforcement continues to adapt to the immense challenges of protecting and supporting victims of war crimes. To help strengthen this vital work, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine recently facilitated two key activities, aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG).
On 30 September 2024, EUAM Ukraine hosted a focused workshop for 40 public servants from the NPU’s War Crimes Department and the OPG’s Coordination Centre for Victims and Witnesses. The event was designed to improve cooperation between these two agencies in their efforts to protect victims’ rights. Participants worked through practical case scenarios, sharpening their approach to real-world challenges. The closed format allowed for direct, solution-driven discussions, free from external observers.
Shortly after, from 8-10 October 2024, EUAM Ukraine and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime Program Office in Ukraine organised a study trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for 14 representatives of the NPU’s War Crimes Unit and the OPG’s Victim and Witness Coordination Centre. The aim was to learn how Bosnian institutions handle victim and witness protection based on their own experiences of war.
The Ukrainian delegation met with officials from the Court of BiH, the Witness Protection Department, and local police. These meetings offered a close look at how Bosnian authorities have developed and implemented measures to support and protect victims, especially survivors of sexual violence. They shared practical insights that Ukrainian officials could take back to improve their own processes.
On the final day of the study trip, Ukrainian representatives had an opportunity to learn about the Medica Zenica and Vive Zene Tuzla, two NGOs that support survivors of war, focusing on women and children. The organisations highlighted the importance of psychological care and rehabilitation as essential steps toward recovery.
These experiences will directly influence Ukraine’s efforts to build effective support systems for victims and witnesses. The insights gained from Bosnia’s recovery journey will help Ukrainian law enforcement establish stronger mechanisms for protecting those most affected by the horrors of war.
Through these initiatives, EUAM Ukraine continues to assist Ukrainian police and prosecutors in developing practical solutions to the challenges they face, ensuring that victims receive the care and protection they need during these difficult times.