October 2024 - As part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to strengthen its response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) for sexual exploitation, the delegation of Ukraine, including representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, the Coordination Centre for Support of Victims and Witnesses, and the National Police of Ukraine participated in a three-day study visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union Advisory Mission for Ukraine (EUAM).
During the visit, Ukrainian officials met with representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other governmental institutions, as well as civil society organisations that have extensive experience in combating CRSV and TIP, as the country has developed strong legal, institutional, and civil society structures to support victims of wartime sexual violence.
The exchanges provided Ukrainian officials with critical information on the engagement of survivors, the establishment of survivor-centred support systems, and the creation of a comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the protection of victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings related to CSRV and TIP, including the alignment of Ukrainian legislation with the EU Victims' Directive.
In order to address the complexities of combating CRSV and to develop effective strategies to meet the challenges associated with CRSV and TIP cases, it is essential to establish channels of communication and cooperation between Ukrainian judicial and law enforcement actors and regional authorities as well as international partners.
Under the umbrella of the UNited Action to Empower Survivors of CRSV, UNODC in Ukraine supports the Ukrainian authorities, through inter-agency and inter-institutional cooperation, in building national capacity to ensure right- and evidence-based investigation and prosecution of CRSV and trafficking for sexual exploitation, and provides technical support to ensure protection and safety mechanisms for witnesses and victims of sexual violence and trafficking during investigations and trials.
The visit also highlighted the importance of a coordinated survivor-centred approach to the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in conflict situations. Ukrainian officials presented their findings and discussed the main challenges they face in protecting victims of CRSV and TIP and the link between these two crimes, particularly in the context of the ongoing large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Study Visit was a unique opportunity for both countries to share crucial knowledge and experience on victim and witness assistance and protection during investigations and trials, and post-trial.By drawing on Bosnia and Herzegovina's extensive experience and deepening the understanding of the elements of the crime of CRSV and TIP and its links to other criminal activities, Ukraine can continue to improve support and protection mechanisms, refine the legal framework and promote closer cooperation between national actors, which is essential for a multisectoral, rights-based and victim-centred response to end impunity for traffickers and perpetrators, and eradicate conflict-related crimes of sexual violence and human trafficking.
By weakening the rule of law, corrupting supply chains, exploiting workers and fueling violence, disproportionately affecting vulnerable poeple, including women and children, human trafficking is a heinous crime. In partnership with the Ukrainian government and the Prosecutor General’s Office, UNODC is committed to supporting Ukraine by providing key resources to advance anti-trafficking efforts accross the country and at the borders, in line with the Office's mandate on this key human rights and criminal justice issue.
Participants: Officials (Ukraine): Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, the Coordination Centre for Support of Victims and Witnesses, and the National Police of Ukraine. Officials (Bosnia and Herzegovina): High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Office of the Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, State Investigation and Protection Agency – Witness Protection Department, Judicial Police of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, NGO Medica Zenica and NGO Vive Žene Tuzla.
In April 2023, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine issued Order No. 103, which established a support mechanism for victims and witnesses of war crimes and other international crimes. This initiative led to the creation of the Coordination Centre for Support of Victims and Witnesses, which is responsible for providing coordinated assistance through partnerships with law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
UN interagency project, Strengthening National and Community-Based Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Prevention and Response in Ukraine, also called UNited Action to Empower Survivors of CRSV, focuses on enhancing Ukraine's capacity to address CRSV and TIP for sexual exploitation under the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, a supplement to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Latest UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons
UNODC Research (December 2022). Conflict in Ukraine: Key Evidence on Risks of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, update 2022: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tip/Conflict_Ukraine_TIP_2022.pdf
World Anti-Trafficking Day 2024 (30.07): This year's global campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Thematic 2024: "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking".
Read our other webstories on trafficking in persons:
UNODC joins forces with Prosecutors' Offices
Protecting Ukrainian refugees and displaced people from human trafficking
