Center for Civil Liberties team trained on investigating war crimes

On 6-8 February, the Center for Civil Liberties team members Roman Nekoliak, Sviatoslav Ruban, and Olesia Leleka participated in the training titled “The Way Forward: How to assist in the investigation of international crimes”.

Trainees learned about the legal foundations and best practices of investigating war crimes; the basics of international humanitarian law; using the PEACE* method of interviewing victims; as well as providing psychological and medical first aid. Theoretical sections of the training were complemented by a variety of practical assignments, interactive exercises, and discussions. Specialists from prosecutors’ offices shared their experience of investigating war crimes throughout the entire training.

 “Joining forces of the civil society, governmental authorities, and international experts is key to countering the actions of the military aggressor. The work of non-governmental organizations should support our common goal with the prosecutors’ offices, which is restoring justice and ensuring imminent punishment of war criminals,” says CCL’s International Cooperation Coordinator Roman Nekoliak.

The training was organized by the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine (EUAM), in cooperation with the department of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine responsible for combating war crimes.

Following the successful presentation of their final group projects, trainees received certificates from the Head of the EUAM, Mr. Rolf Holmeboe.

EUAM has been supporting Ukraine since December 2014. Its mission is to assist relevant Ukrainian authorities towards a sustainable reform of the civilian security sector through strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures based on EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.