Project to protect LGBTIQ victims launched in Ukraine

An initiative to improve the investigation of crimes against LGBTIQ+ people and war-related sexual violence has been launched in Ukraine with EU support. The project will create recommendations for the investigation, conduct trainings, and strengthen cooperation between law enforcement, NGOs, and international partners.

This was reported by the press service of the NGO Prozektor.

The NGO has launched a human rights initiative aimed at improving the investigation and documentation of international crimes committed on the grounds of bias against sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), as well as crimes of sexual violence related to the conflict. The project is being implemented as part of a grant from the EU's Pravo-Justice Project, which is being implemented by Expertise France.

The initiative provides for the creation of practical recommendations and reference materials for investigators and prosecutors working with LGBTIQ+ victims. It is also planned to conduct trainings on a trauma-informed and non-discriminatory approach to interviewing victims, as well as work to ensure the admissibility of the evidence base for future trials, both in Ukraine and internationally.

Particular attention is paid to the development of cross-sectoral cooperation between law enforcement, civil society organizations and international partners. The project also aims to raise awareness among justice system professionals about the vulnerabilities of the LGBTIQ+ community in times of war.

According to Vitaliy Matveev, Chairman of the Board of Prozhektor, this project is a response to the real challenges of war, aimed at creating a non-discriminatory system

We strive to ensure that no victim is left out of the justice system," Matveev emphasized.

Anna Stakhanova, Chief Expert on Accountability for International Crimes at the EU Law-Justice Project, noted that during the war, crimes against the LGBTIQ+ community often go unnoticed. Meanwhile, the protection of LGBTIQ+ rights is an obligation of Ukraine on its way to the EU.

Earlier, a unique criminal proceeding against trans woman Maria Vinichenko, who was accused of distributing pornographic materials, lasted more than four years. On May 12, 2023, the prosecutor officially refused to support public prosecution.

Анна Бальчінос