ENSURING THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF WAR CRIMES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the issues of ensuring the rights of victims during
the investigation of war crimes. The authors emphasize the need to introduce the
principles of the "victim-oriented" approach in the investigation of war criminal
offenses in Ukraine. The victim-oriented approach in criminal proceedings means
that the justice system pays special attention to the needs and interests of victims
of crime. This approach puts the victim at the center of attention and is not limited
to punishing perpetrators. Thus, the victim-oriented approach aims to create a
fairer and more human environment in criminal justice, where attention is not
limited to the rights of the accused, but also pays attention to the needs and rights
of victims of crime. The main aspects of this approach in criminal justice include:
providing victims with information about the status of the case, investigation and
trial and their active involvement in criminal proceedings; providing
comprehensive support (psychological, social, etc.) to victims and taking
measures for their direct protection; providing opportunities for compensation
for material and moral damage caused to the victim as a result of the crime;
creating opportunities for victims to participate in decision-making related to the
case, such as plea bargaining or sentencing; ensuring that criminals are punished
fairly, taking into account the need to restore the rights of the victim of a crime.