As the war in Ukraine continues, children who have fled, are fleeing, or are at risk of displacement face increasing dangers—including human trafficking and conflict-related crimes. Recognising the urgent need to protect these children and hold perpetrators accountable, Global Rights Compliance (GRC) attended a three-day intensive training held by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) and Sdružení pro integraci a migraci (SIMI) to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively
Training Highlights:
The workshop brought together national and international experts in international criminal law, forensic psychology, child protection, and open-source intelligence, covering:
- Identifying and addressing risks of child trafficking and core international crimes
- Trauma-informed and child-centred approaches to investigations and legal assistance
- The application of the Mendez Principles in interviewing child victims and witnesses
- Enhancing interagency cooperation to improve case management and survivor support
A keynote address by Danielle DerOhannesian, Legal Advisor for GRC’s Child Justice Team (CJT), explored international crimes against and affecting children (CAAC) in Ukraine as part of Russia’s ongoing aggression and why child-friendly justice is important for increasing the visibility and participation of children in the criminal justice process. Danielle also introduced the Best Interests Assessment Procedure, a child-friendly procedure aimed at protecting children’s rights during the investigation and prosecution of CAAC in Ukraine, that is currently in the testing period with the Juvenile Justice Department of the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General.
“International crimes uniquely and disproportionally impact children—the experiences of Ukrainian children who have been displaced to Czechia are no exception. KIND’s workshop highlighted the hard work the government and non-governmental organisations are doing to protect Ukrainian children and their rights, and the challenges that are still to come in the face of continued Russian aggression.” Danielle DerOhannesian, Legal Advisor for GRC’s Child Justice Team (CJT).
By equipping stakeholders with these critical skills, we move closer to securing justice for children affected by war. GRC’s Mobile Child Justice Team assists the Juvenile Justice Department of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG) and provides legal and strategic advice on incorporating child-friendly justice into investigations and prosecutions of CAAC. This project is made possible through funding from the European Union.