Global Rights Compliance (GRC), with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), organised a war crimes Mock Trial focused on child-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches. The practice-based event brought together investigators, prosecutors, defence attorneys, psychologists, forensic experts, victim legal representatives and judges to enhance their skills in investigating and prosecuting alleged war crimes under realistic conditions.
The case file for this Mock Trial is based on crimes allegedly committed during the occupation of a town by Russian armed forces at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Specifically, it centres around the experience of a family who were at home when Russian soldiers forcibly entered their house and subjected the family members, including two children, to a series of violations.
Jonathan Marshall, Political Counsellor at the British Embassy Kyiv, said:
“The UK is incredibly proud to support efforts to investigate and prosecute war crimes here in Ukraine. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in these times, and we are clear that there can be no long-lasting peace without justice and accountability. This mock trial is more than an innovative training exercise, I think it’s a real forum for exploring, discussing and adopting the best practices and approaches, particularly looking at child-sensitive approaches to war crimes litigation.”
During the event, investigators and prosecutors practised integrating child-sensitive approaches into pre-trial investigations, examined a child victim based on the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Model and other international best practices, and prioritised the best interests of children in all instances.
Denys Lysenko, representative of the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG), noted:
“The circumstances that will be considered during this mock trial are as close as possible to the facts that investigators, prosecutors, and judges are dealing with. Today, more than 190,000 war crimes have been registered in Ukraine during the full-scale war. The geography and number of these cases are growing, so this event is very relevant.”
This format allowed participants to present and challenge evidence, with real-time feedback from international experts and judicial actors.
“Most criminal offences in war crimes cases will be heard by Ukrainian national courts, which requires appropriate skills and expertise,”
Oleksandr Marchuk, Head of the Cassation Criminal Court within the Supreme Court, emphasised,
“Leading experts have gathered here, offering an invaluable opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the defence, the prosecution, and the court. Practising these skills in this mock trial is crucial for improving our ability to handle such complex cases.”
The event not only allowed participants to refine their child-sensitive practices and legal acumen, but also promoted progressive approaches to litigation, innovative criminal procedures, and the sharing of insights and reflective practice. As highlighted by Wayne Jordash KC, President of GRC.
“The case study at the heart of this forum, which reflects the lived experience of a Ukrainian family whose home was invaded during occupation, is not an abstraction. It represents the devastating reality endured by thousands of families whose lives have been torn apart by war. Among them are countless children whose sense of safety, trust, and normalcy has been shattered by violence, displacement and deportation. Their stories remind us that justice is not only a matter of law, but a moral imperative.”
Participants highlighted the importance of integrating child-sensitive approaches in their work. Mykhailo Statsenko, Prosecutor of the Department for the Protection of Children’s Interests and Combating Domestic Violence of the OPG, said:
“Court proceedings concerning crimes against children are particularly complex, making it essential to rely on best practices when engaging children in such criminal proceedings. It is necessary not only to bring the perpetrators to justice, but also to avoid harming those who have already suffered from Russian crimes. That is why we continue studying best practices so that they can be applied in real court proceedings.”
The Mock Trial is part of the activities of the GRC’s Mobile Justice Teams (MJTs), which are part of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA). The ACA is a multilateral initiative established by the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States to support and assist Ukrainian law enforcement authorities in investigating and prosecuting atrocity crimes in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion.